Shetland Arts is delighted to announce that it has appointed three new Trustees to its Board following its recent recruitment process.
Chair of Shetland Arts’ Board, Jim Johnston, said: “We have been inundated with interest from individuals to help us take Shetland Arts forward into 2013 and beyond and have been thrilled with the response. We were specifically looking for individuals to join the Board who could help Shetland Arts continue to deliver on its Business Plan. In parallel to continuing to grow and strengthen Mareel’s success, the next stage of development for the organisation includes a continued focus on its operations right across the Islands, and continued growth of its income base, particularly funding from outside Shetland. In looking for Trustees, we were particularly keen to draw on experience from inside and out with Shetland, to help bring additional connections and ideas and to strengthen the very considerable talent we already have in our current Trustees. I am therefore delighted to welcome Steven Cheverton, Jill Franklin and Michael Palmer to the Board.”
Steven Cheverton has lived for over ten years in the west side of Shetland with his partner Angela and their four children. His background is in printing and publishing, with a particular focus on graphic reproduction, graphic design, and digital page make-up. The Shetland Arts’ Board was impressed by Steven’s passion for the arts and he will bring a wealth of business management and impressive track record in the training, development and leadership of staff.
Steven said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to be involved with arts provision in Shetland. Culture, both indigenous and imported, is vital for the health and well-being of any community. Shetland’s rich artistic heritage reflects the importance that has been placed upon this aspect of our communal lives. As a community, we are fortunate to possess so many people whose hard work ensures that traditions are preserved and that fresh perspectives are introduced into Shetland’s artistic weave; I look forward to enthusiastically supporting their endeavours.”
Jill Franklin has been an entrepreneur for nearly 10 years. She founded Franklin Rae in 2003 and has developed it into one of the UK’s leading PR agencies working in the entertainment industry. In 2009, Franklin Rae was awarded the PR industry’s ‘gold standard’ by industry body the PRCA, an accolade held by only 5% of UK agencies. In 2011, Franklin Rae became part of the James Grant Group, the media group which represents some of the UK’s leading TV presenters. Jill’s experience includes work with STV, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Documentaries, Ikon Gallery, Grange Park Opera, and many more. She has a wealth of commercial experience, including strategy development and planning and managing growth. She also has wide-ranging contacts across advertising, television, and technology.
Jill has been a passionate advocate of Shetland ever since she first visited in 2005. She currently splits her time between Bixter, where she has lived since 2008, and London.
Michael Palmer lives and works as a community nurse in Whalsay. During the selection processes, Mike discussed the importance of art in bringing people together and allowing them to express themselves. He is an advocate of the arts and recognises the importance of art in the healing process, either in participation or simply as a spectator. He has an impressive track record as a trustee on other boards and looks forward to working with the Shetland Arts’ Board members to scrutinise Shetland Arts accounts, business plan, and to support the arts in Shetland generally.
Jim Johnston added: “I am delighted to see that we continue to attract a high calibre of Trustee to our Board. The three new Trustees not only bring an enthusiasm for the arts, they each have individual skills, knowledge and contacts that we require to help take us to the next level. Improving community involvement, meeting the increasing demand for openness in our decision-making and continuing the excellent development work that our officers do will be improved by the appointment of these new Trustees. I look forward to working with them in the future.”
