CCSkills recruits Welsh arts ambassador

14 August 2008

Simon Dancey, a trustee of the Arts Council of Wales, joins Creative & Cultural Skills as Wales Director.

Simon is former director of Community Music Wales and is a leading figure in the community arts field in Wales. Simon has vast experience in music and events management and is also recognised as a prominent performer, composer and producer with a wealth of international experience. He has travelled the world as an advocate and promoter of community arts in addressing education and social participation issues. Simon said:

“The creative industries in Wales are vital and distinctive. I welcome the opportunity to be involved in unlocking the potential of all sections of the community and providing relevant skills for people that will in turn, lead to quality employment prospects and a vibrant cultural industries sector in Wales.”

Tom Bewick, chief executive of Creative & Cultural Skills said: “Simon’s role will involve engaging with more employers to ensure skills and training provision meets their distinctive needs. With the launch of the Creative Blueprint for Wales in October we can concentrate on implementing an action plan for employers and practitioners in Wales which will address the future skills and training needs of the country’s workforce.”

The Creative Blueprint is launching on October 1 at the Wales Millennium Centre and joining Simon Dancey will be Judith Isherwood, chief executive of the Wales Millennium Centre and Tom Bewick, chief executive of Creative & Cultural Skills.

ends

Notes to editors:

1. For more information, photographs and interviews please contact: Jessica Benson, Marketing & PR Co-ordinator on 0207 015 1826 or email: jessica.benson@ccskills.org.uk
2. Creative & Cultural Skills is the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries. Our remit covers the areas of: advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, and performing, literary and visual arts. For more information visit: www.ccskills.org.uk
3. Licensed by government in July 2005, Creative & Cultural Skills is one of 25 sector skills councils, known collectively as the Skills for Business Network, to oversee the strategic development of the workforce in our industries and deliver realistic solutions to skills needs.
4. Creative & Cultural Skills’ remit is UK-wide. Wales is represented by Judith Isherwood, Chief Executive of the Wales Millennium Centre.