The Guernsey Arts Commission supports, promotes and facilitates all forms of art, connecting artists, arts organisations and businesses. The GAC also has a responsibility to administer the States of Guernsey’s funding for the arts.
The GAC says it has spent the last two years working in collaboration with the Guernsey Community Foundation “to explore ways to strengthen the Commission and to increase funding for the arts.”
In 2019 the Art Strategy Working Group published proposals for a revitalised creative sector and the Working Group’s report was endorsed by the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture (ESC).
Pictured: Trevor Wakefield and Russ Fossey of the Guernsey Arts Commission.
Trevor Wakefield, Chair of the GAC and a core member of the Working Group, said vacancies within the GAC had created an opportunity to strengthen the board by combining experience with fresh perspectives which will help drive it forward.
“Over the years I’ve been fortunate to work with extremely dedicated, passionate Commissioners,” he said. “Without their efforts, the Island would be creatively poorer. Now, with some of our Commissioners having retired, and with big plans for the future of the arts, it’s a perfect time to bring new people on board whose skills will complement existing talents. Following a recruitment process which was undertaken in collaboration with the Community Foundation, I am delighted to announce that six new Commissioners have joined the Board of the GAC.”
Pictured: One of the Arts Commission’s most recent projects saw a piano for public use installed at Guernsey Airport.
Mr Wakefield said the six new commissioners have a range of skills and experience which will prove invaluable to the GAC.
“They are all passionate about the arts and are well connected in the various sectors of the arts. Their business skills include law, finance, marketing, digital, education and health. I am confident that, working with the existing Commissioners, they will enhance the work of the GAC as we enter what should be a very exciting time for the arts in the Bailiwick. We are fortunate in having a huge amount of talent in all sectors of the arts and I look forward to working with the extended Board of the GAC to support and encourage all arts activities in our communities.”
As a body the GAC says it believes:
- The arts should be accessible to everyone
- Creativity enriches the lives of individuals and our community
- Appreciation of the arts is nurtured by exposure and education
- The arts are key economic and social drivers for our community
- The arts contribute to community identity and civic pride
- Creative expression takes diverse forms
- A legacy of the arts is critical for future generations
It aims to be inclusive, open to all and strives to embrace diverse ideas, art forms and communities. The GAC says it will” champion the arts and artists in our community” and it is committed to working with others to bring together artists, patrons and Communities.
Pictured top: The Guernsey Arts Commission is based at Candie Gardens.