Ormskirk is celebrating a major achievement on the national stage after Edge Hill University's Chancellor, Dawn Airey, was officially named the new Chair of Arts Council England. In a significant announcement by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, the university's figurehead will take the helm of the country's leading cultural funding body, bringing a spotlight and extensive media experience straight to West Lancashire.
Dawn, who has served as the ceremonial head of the University since 2023, brings over 30 years of experience in the media and creative industries. She has held senior leadership positions across major broadcasters including Sky, ITV, and Channel 5, as well as Yahoo! and Getty Images.
Edge Hill's Chief Operating Officer Lynn Hill said: "We are incredibly proud to congratulate Dawn on this well-deserved achievement. Dawn is a true inspiration to students across many disciplines - creative arts, sport, media, business and more, and the passion and tenacity she has shown over her impressive career encourages motivation in us all."
Chancellor Airey also holds several high-profile non-executive positions. She is currently the Chair of the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+, chairs the Barclays FA Women's Super League and Women's Championship board, and serves as Deputy Chair of the Board at Channel 4.
In the 2024 Birthday Honours, Dawn was awarded a CBE for services to theatre and charity. She is a Vice President and Fellow of the Royal Television Society, and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts.
The proud Prestonian said: "I am thrilled and humbled to have been appointed as Chair of Arts Council England. The importance of the Arts Council in championing art and culture has never been more needed because the sector has never been more vital. In a world where AI, technology and automation are increasingly dominant, human connection, experience, imagination and creativity are the things that bring us together. Like Edge Hill, Arts Council England champions excellence and experience for all and I'm excited to be part of it."
Dawn will return to Edge Hill's Ormskirk campus in July to lead the University's week-long graduation celebrations, shaking the hands of around 4,000 students as they mark the completion of their studies.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: "I am thrilled to announce Dawn Airey as the incoming chair of Arts Council England. She will take the helm at an incredibly important time, as this Government seeks to unlock access to exceptional arts for everyone, everywhere. 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."
