Chief Executive for National Youth Arts Wales
The Trustees of National Youth Arts Wales, who oversee the acclaimed National Youth Brass Band of Wales as part of a portfolio of other National Youth ensembles, are delighted to announce the appointment of Gillian Mitchell as the organisation’s first Chief Executive. Gillian will take up her post at the end of April.
David Jackson, Chair of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “National Youth Arts Wales is very lucky to have attracted someone of the calibre of Gillian to be its leader. Her combination of experience, enthusiasm and imagination will lead this newly re-formed organisation into an exciting future for the performing arts in Wales, and for the gifted young performers of Wales in particular.”
Gillian has had a distinguished career in arts management. She is currently Head of Theatre, Arts and Culture at Newport Live, where her responsibilities include leading the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre. Prior to this she held senior positions in Belfast, including Director of Old Museum Arts Centre and Director of Programmes for The MAC which included co-leading the £18.5 million capital project to create the venue.
Commenting on her appointment, Gillian said: “I am so excited to be taking up this new position. Wales has some extraordinarily talented young people and I believe that National Youth Arts Wales can provide them with fantastic opportunities to develop and realise their potential as performers and broaden their horizons in general.”
National Youth Arts Wales is responsible for the national youth ensembles including Brass Band, Choir, Dance, Orchestra, Theatre, and Wind Orchestra. In 2018, it will provide intensive residential experiences encompassing training and performance for more than 300 young people from across Wales. This year National Youth Dance Wales will be delivered in partnership with National Dance Company of Wales, and National Youth Theatre of Wales with Theatr Clwyd and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. The musical ensembles will be led by distinguished musicians Carlo Rizzi, Tim Rhys-Evans, Phil Harper, and Pete Harrison. National Youth Arts Wales receives funding from the Arts Council of Wales.
