Dawn Airey, a veteran of the media and creative industries with over three decades of experience, is set to take the helm as the new chair of Arts Council England. She will succeed Sir Nicholas Serota, whose almost decade-long tenure concludes at the end of July.
Ms Airey’s four-year term will commence on 1 August, following an announcement by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy. Ms Nandy expressed her delight at the appointment, stating she was “thrilled” to welcome Ms Airey.
“She will take the helm at this incredibly important time, as this Government seeks to unlock access to exceptional arts for everyone, everywhere,” Ms Nandy said.
“Dawn brings more than just a wide range of experience across broadcasting, theatre and the wider arts – she brings a passion for what the arts can do for this country and all the people in it. I have no doubt that she will insist on pressing ahead with long overdue action to put people back at the centre of their own national story.”
Sir Nicholas, who was initially appointed in February 2017 for a four-year term, saw his leadership extended until 31 July 2026, but will now step down earlier.
Ms Airey’s distinguished career includes serving as chief executive of Channel 5, where she was also the inaugural director of programmes. S
She has held prominent roles such as managing director of channels and services at Sky, managing director of global content at ITV, and senior vice president at Yahoo! for Europe, Middle East and Africa. From 2015 to 2018, she was the chief executive of Getty Images.
Reacting to her appointment, Ms Airey said she was “thrilled and humbled to succeed the arts titan that is Sir Nicholas Serota”, acknowledging his “magnificently and courageously chaired” leadership of Arts Council England over the past decade.
“The importance of the Arts Council in championing art and culture has never been more needed because the sector has never been more vital to our nation,” she remarked. “In a world where AI, technology and automation are increasingly dominant, human connection, experience, imagination and creativity are the things that bring us together. They are the quintessential elements of a creative life and of a life well lived. The Arts Council has a clear new mandate, informed by the recent independent review – to do more to support, nurture and protect the arts, and to do so transparently, with speed and with a fairer distribution of spend.”
Ms Airey further emphasised that Arts Council England “champions artistic excellence and experience for all, wherever you live, whatever you do” and expressed her excitement for the role.
Beyond her new position, Ms Airey currently chairs the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+. Since 2019, she has also chaired the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship board.
In 2023, she was appointed chancellor of Edge Hill University, and she served as interim chair of Channel 4 from 2022 until last year, where she remains deputy chair of the board. Her contributions were recognised in the 2024 Birthday Honours, where she was made a CBE for services to theatre and to charity.
She is also a vice president and fellow of the Royal Television Society, and a fellow of the Royal Society for Arts.
Outgoing chair Sir Nicholas reflected on his time at the helm, calling it a “great honour”.
He noted: “Over the last decade, we have navigated periods of significant change and uncertainty, including a global pandemic, economic challenges and shifts in the way people engage with culture. Through it all, the creativity, resilience and ambition of the sector have been extraordinary. In Dawn, the Arts Council will have a leader who understands the unique role the arts play in society and the profound impact they have on individuals. I am confident that, under her stewardship, the organisation will thrive and the sector will flourish.”
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, praised Sir Nicholas for his “outstanding leadership and guidance”.
He added: “As our next chapter begins, it’s exciting to have Dawn as our new leader. We’ll benefit from her wealth of experience across the arts, media and sport. From day one, she’ll be a catalyst for change helping us in the next stage of our journey championing the value of artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries. I share her passion for ensuring England is a nation which truly offers a fair spread of excellent culture for everybody, everywhere.”
Ms Nandy also extended her gratitude to Sir Nicholas for his “tireless dedication to the arts and to artists”, acknowledging the “challenging time for the arts” he navigated, including funding cuts, a global pandemic, Brexit negotiations, and the downgrading of arts on the national curriculum. “Throughout all of this he has been a calm, passionate and reassuring presence and a steadfast champion for access to great art. We owe him our gratitude,” she concluded.
The appointment of the chair for Arts Council England is made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in accordance with the organisation’s royal charter.
Ministers were supported in their decision by an advisory assessment panel, which included a senior departmental official and an independent panel member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
