Bernie Topham, a woman with mid-length dark brown hair
Changing Faces

Portsmouth Creates welcomes new Chair

Neil Puffett
1 min read

Portsmouth Creates has announced the appointment of BERNIE TOPHAM as the organisation’s new Chair.

GEMMA NICHOLS, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, which supports Portsmouth’s creative and cultural individuals and businesses, said: “The appointment of Bernie comes at a very exciting time for Portsmouth Creates.

"Last year, we were awarded a significant uplift in funding by Arts Council England, enabling us to build upon our commitment to Portsmouth’s creatives and communities. We are beyond grateful to our founding Chair, Tim Rusby, for all he has brought to Portsmouth Creates over the last four years and look forward to working with Bernie as Chair.”

Topham replaces TIM RUSBY, who was founding Chair.

“It has been an amazing privilege to be part of Portsmouth Creates, its birth and its early development. Under Bernie’s leadership, this very special organisation will undoubtedly go from strength to strength,” Rusby said.

Regarding her new role, Topham said, “Throughout my career and life, I’ve seen the importance of culture and creativity in shaping thriving places and communities. I’m delighted to join Portsmouth Creates and really excited to be working with them as dynamic advocates for creative growth in Portsmouth.”