Natalie Melton will continue as acting executive director of the Crafts Council after Claire Whitaker OBE made the decision not to take up the role following her appointment earlier this autumn.
Natalie will lead the Crafts Council with the support of Nicky Dewar, director of skills and learning and Adele Hill-King, director of finance.
Natalie said: “As a leadership team we are absolutely committed to ensuring that the Crafts Council will continue to thrive at a time when craft is so important to so many people. Our commitment to championing social justice and building a more equitable community for craft remain vital, even more so at a time of wider instability.”
In other changes to the organisation Andrew Morlet, the chair of the board of trustees will be stepping down from his role. Andrew has taken this difficult decision based upon time constraints due to his work commitments. His input and leadership have been of great support to the Crafts Council over the last 15 months.
For the board of trustees, Andy Marshall and Helen Hyde will act as co-Chairs. Both Andy and Helen have been trustees at the organisation for several years and bring many years of experience in business and retail and a huge passion for craft. We are looking to bring additional trustees on board to support the organisation over the coming months.
Andy Marshall and Helen Hyde said: “It's a privilege to work with the Crafts Council who continue to do so much to champion all aspects of craft– supporting makers to build sustainable and resilient businesses, nurturing the next generation of creative talent and providing space and support for the sector to share knowledge and expertise.”