Creu Cymru has today announced that David Wilson, Director of Aberystwyth Arts Centre, will take over the Chair position of Creu Cymru. David will replace outgoing Chair Liam Evans-Ford, Executive Director of Theatr Clwyd, after four years, who will remain on the Board as a Trustee for at least another 12 months.
During Liam’s time as Chair, the organisation has navigated the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting the sector’s efforts in sustaining jobs and securing emergency funding in Wales; introduced a new model of delivery by widening membership to include producing companies and individuals resulting in a 75% growth in membership; continued to manage the Hynt Scheme, the national access scheme with over 40 venues and 30,000 card holders, that works with theatres and arts centres in Wales to make sure there is a consistent offer available for visitors with access requirements. Liam appointed the current Director, Lousie Miles-Payne and supported the recent successful Investment Review, seeing Creu Cymru becoming a multi-year client of Arts Council Wales.
Liam Evans-Ford said, "It has been a privilege to serve as Chair for Creu Cymru for the last four years, following on from three years as a Board member. Arts and culture in Wales is under serious threat, and there is much work to do to ensure decision makers value, and fund, the incredible work delivered across the country by our membership. I have every confidence that Louise, supported by David as Chair, will make positive change on behalf of our members, and I look forward to supporting them as a trustee, whilst allowing them time and space for new energy and enthusiasm for the next set of challenges."
David Wilson, Director of Aberystwyth Arts Centre will take over the Chair position of Creu Cymru
David has been the Director of Aberystwyth Arts Centre (AAC) since 2023, having led several leading cultural and artistic organisations. David is Co-Director of Porter’s Cardiff, an events-led bar and social space and is a Fellow of the Clore Leadership Programme and the Royal Society of Arts.
Other roles have included Theatre Director at Theatr Brycheiniog, Executive Director at Actorsworkshop, Deputy Director at National Dance Company Wales, Guest lecturer at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Producing Director at Moving Being Limited and Administrator at The Cardiff International Festival of Musical Theatre.
David Wilson said: "I am looking forward to further supporting the sector, helping the members secure a better future for performing arts in Wales and working with the terrific team and Board at Creu Cymru. It’s daunting following on from Liam's inspired leadership with what we know will be challenging times ahead, but I believe in the work of the members, delivering for all our audiences and artists."
Creu Cymru is a membership organisation for theatres, producing companies and freelancers working in the performing arts in Wales. Their membership forms a collaborative network; with a strengthened and unified voice that projects and advocates to public governing bodies, ensuring vital industry representation and influencing positive change. They have recently become a new multi-year funded organisation by the Arts Council of Wales. During the last few years, they have worked to create a more sustainable organisation, working with more people and having a larger impact on audiences across Wales.
Creu Cymru has also welcomed three new Board members, Julia Barry, Chief Executive at Sherman Theatre; Geinor Styles, Artistic Director of Theatr na nÓg and Sara Beer, Director for Change at Craidd.
Louise Miles-Payne, Director of Creu Cymru said: "We are extremely grateful to Liam’s support and contribution to Creu Cymru, over his time as Chair, he is leaving the position with the organisation the strongest it’s been in many years. David is a vocal advocate of our work and the good we can do in supporting our members and I’m looking forward to working with him more closely in his new role."