Newton, formerly Director of Fundraising and Marketing, steps into the role at a pivotal moment, bringing 10 years of fundraising expertise and a proven record in driving growth. Since joining Arts Emergency in 2018 as its sole fundraising manager, she has played a key role in transforming the charity; scaling its flagship mentoring programme to support over 300 young people each year, and leading income strategies that have increased annual revenue by 250% during her role as Director.
By sharing the helm, Griffiths and Newton will embody Arts Emergency’s values of shared power, and collaborative decision-making and leadership. Together, they will harness their individual strengths to drive forward the movement’s ambitious plans for the future.
Backed by the staff team, the Board of Trustees and the Youth Collective - a leadership group of young people who have completed Arts Emergency’s mentoring programme - they will work together to deliver Arts Emergency’s mission: a future where every young person can contribute to the culture they live in.
Neil Griffiths said:
“Arts Emergency began 15 years ago with a simple question: ‘what if there was an alternative ‘old boy network’ for young people not from privilege and money, whose folks didn’t know someone ‘in the industry’? And what if we came together as a collective to share resources, information and opportunities freely with those most able to benefit but least able to access it elsewhere?.’ Well the answer is now obvious - what happened is thousands of people using Arts Emergency as a safe supportive space to begin growing brilliant futures. It’s rare to do something that’s not been done before, and especially to make it work and last like this, and it’s no exaggeration to say that Lucy has played as big-a-role as anyone in making this reality. To share the overall leadership of our organisation and movement with such an inspiring young leader is both a privilege and a natural next step as our cause continues to evolve.”
Lucy Newton added:
“I’m deeply grateful to step into this role alongside Neil, whose vision has inspired Arts Emergency from day one. This movement is beautiful, generative and a beacon of hope during trying times for the creative sector. I can’t wait to work together with Neil, colleagues, young people, trustees and thousands in the network to build an alternative structure that delivers a more equitable sector for the most bright, curious and inspiring young people. They are our future and we cannot fail them.”
Alongside this leadership evolution, Arts Emergency is strengthening its board. Amie Kirby, a current member of the Youth Collective, joins as the third young trustee on the board, ensuring the voices of those most impacted remain central to decision-making. Also joining the board are Dimity Nicholls, Executive Director of the multi-disciplinary arts organisation Fevered Sleep; Samantha Hands, Deputy Director of Home Affairs at the Cabinet Office; and Susan van Schalkwyk, who manages financial reporting at IT consultancy Serco and will also serve as treasurer. They join existing board members including broadcaster Jasmin Dotiwala, writer Yomi Adegoke, and Chair of Trustees Perminder Mann, who said:
“The co-Chief Executive model allows us to draw on the full depth and breadth of Neil and Lucy’s combined skills, experience and insight, while significantly expanding the leadership capacity we need to deliver on our strategic goals. They bring unique and complementary skill sets to their work and there is a deep sense of trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose in their partnership, which has already delivered so much for the organisation. The Board congratulates them both on this well-deserved appointment and we are excited about what their co-leadership will make possible for Arts Emergency in this next chapter — one that promises to be bolder, braver, and even more impactful.”
Young Trustee Amie added:
“I’m thrilled and honoured to join the board of such a dynamic organisation, who I’ve had the privilege of working with for the past five years. I’m looking forward to representing the concerns of our young communities and using this to help shape Arts Emergency’s future strategies.”
Arts Emergency has helped over 2,200 young people find their path through mentoring, opportunities and connections. With new leadership in place, it’s ready to open doors for even more young people shut out of accessing the future they want and deserve.
Arts Emergency
Arts Emergency is a grassroots movement that opens doors for underrepresented young people with creative ambitions, by connecting them to each other and to creative professionals.
Founded in 2013 by comedian Josie Long and activist Neil Griffiths, the organisation has helped over 2,200 young people in the UK access and thrive in creativity and culture by providing a long-term combined programme of mentorship, networking and real-world opportunities.
Media:
Photo of Lucy Newton
Photo of Neil Griffiths
Photo of Arts Emergency Co-CEOs Lucy Newton and Neil Griffiths
Davonte and David at the Manchester Mentoring Introduction event
Mentoring Celebration Event - Photo by Rob Greig
Note to editors:
For more information, or to arrange to speak to an Arts Emergency spokesperson including mentees / mentors, email Head of Communications Rita Chowdhury rita@arts-emergency.org