Darren Henley named new head of ACE - Museums Association

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Darren Henley named new head of ACE

Classic FM boss to replace Alan Davey
Darren Henley is to become the new chief executive of Arts Council England (ACE).

The managing director of Classic FM will replace Alan Davey, who leaves the arts council after seven years to join BBC Radio 3 as controller in January.

Henley led two reviews in to music and cultural education for the government, which resulted in a range of new initiatives including ACE’s museums and schools programme and England’s first National Plan for Music Education.

In a statement, Henley said he wanted to build on Davey’s legacy: “He made sure that the arts council enabled great work to happen. I want to build on that by working with our national chair and the chairs of our area councils to champion the importance of art and culture in so many aspects of our lives – personal, social and economic.

“Of course we must be responsive and adapt to the world around us, but the foundation stone is laid in terms of the arts council’s 10-year strategy. Together, all of us at ACE will continue to strive towards achieving great art and culture for everyone, no matter who they are or where they are in England.”

A date for Henley to start his new role has not yet been announced. ACE's deputy chief executive Althea Efunshile will be acting chief executive role in the interim.

“The role of chief executive officer of the arts council requires a broad range of skills including a deep well of leadership experience, the ability to navigate the corridors of Whitehall and Westminster and a determination to make art and culture matter for individuals, for our communities and our country,” said Peter Bazalgette, ACE’s chairman.

“Darren has already had a significant influence on the cultural education policy of this country and is a worthy successor to Alan Davey.”



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