Crafts Council has appointed John Knell as its Chair of Trustees, providing essential strategic leadership to our Board of Trustees.
The Board in turn holds our senior leadership team accountable for delivering its objectives as the national charity for craft.
John says: "I am thrilled to have this opportunity to contribute to Crafts Council's success. I am looking forward to working with staff, trustees and our many supporters and partners to highlight craft's enormous value to society, as we seek to make everything about craft more inclusive, enriching and relevant.
"Craft is such a central part of our lives. So many of us find inspiration from visionary makers who can engage our senses, emotions and imaginations, as well as being a vital and personal form of expression. Enabling makers to have a positive impact on the world will be at the centre of all our efforts."
Natalie Melton, Crafts Council’s Executive Director, says: “I’m delighted to welcome John to the role of Chair of Trustees. John is a dynamic and progressive figure within the cultural sector, with an innate understanding of the challenges that the cultural sector currently faces. I know he will bring this experience to bear at Crafts Council and guide us towards a bright future."
Helen Hyde, Crafts Council trustee and chair of our nominations committee, said: “In a field of exceptional candidates, John’s dynamism, grasp of the challenges ahead and strategic clarity stood out. He impressed the nominations committee with his energy and collaborative style."
John will Chair his first Board meeting in May 2024 and his term runs for four years.