Dawson to lead National Youth Arts Wales

EVAN DAWSON is set to become Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW), a charity for young performers and creatives.

Joining in October, he succeeds GILLIAN MITCHELL, who left the role in July following five years in post. 

Dawson is a former CEO of the Royal Photographic Society. Here, he formulated a new and inclusive strategy and identity, and established the organisation’s first youth programme alongside a series of visual arts and wellbeing projects.

He is also a former Head of Development at Making Music, developing its arts and health policy and researching the impact of community singing groups. Dawson was then appointed CEO of Liverpool’s Live Music Now for seven years, where he delivered evidence-based work at schools, healthcare settings and communities across the UK. 

He has been a National Advisor to Arts Council of Wales since 2012 and is also currently an evaluation consultant for the Quartet Community Foundation in Bristol. 

NYAW Chair DAVID JACKSON called Dawson the “ideal person” to lead. 

“Gillian has grown the charity brilliantly, leaving great opportunities for Evan to build on, and I’m confident that he will bring his own brand of creative brilliance to the role.”

Dawson added: “Since its foundation in 2017, David and Gillian have built a passionate and highly skilful team of trustees and staff members, bringing inspirational arts experiences to thousands of young people”.

“This important work is needed now more than ever before. 

“Over the years ahead, we will work in partnership with organisations and artists throughout Wales, together nurturing a confident and contemporary country, in which all talented young people can thrive.”