Arts Council of Wales' members are appointed by the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Culture and Sport. Members normally serve for a period of three years and may be reappointed for a further three-year period.
Maggie Russell, Arts Council of Wales Chair
Maggie Russell was appointed Chair of the Arts Council of Wales in April 2023.
She has over 40 years experience at all levels of the arts, cultural heritage and creative industries in a Welsh, UK, and international context. Her career has been rich and varied including experimental physical theatre, working with the community, producing large scale music events, running venues and over 15 years as a multi award winning producer of film and television. For BBC Wales she was part of the Senior management team, ran the drama department and was Head of Talent. Maggie was brought up in Llanrumney, Cardiff, graduated from Warwick University and more recently completed a Post Graduate Professional training as a Psychotherapist.
She is motivated by a lived experience that arts can make a difference in people’s lives and a professional observation of how powerful that difference can be culturally, socially and economically.
She is committed to widening access, nurturing talent, developing work of the highest quality and reflecting the culture and arts of Wales to all its people and beyond its borders.
Prue Thimbleby
Prue Thimbleby has been leading the Arts & Heritage Team at Swansea Bay Health Board since 2012. During that time the team has grown from two to seven part-time staff who deliver an extensive Arts programme. The programme includes employing Artists to work on new buildings and refurbishments, large scale heritage exhibitions, drama projects for staff wellbeing and dance for falls prevention.
As part of her role Prue has established an extensive digital patient story programme and trained NHS staff across the UK as story facilitators. Prue has personally facilitated many patient stories which have improved healthcare, including – transforming incident reporting, improving cancer pathways across Wales and helping people find resolutions to complaints. She convened a series of international conferences called Storytelling for Health which have now become an ongoing biannual event across the world.
Prior to leading the Arts in Health work, Prue was a freelance Artist and Arts manager for 20 years and prior to that she was a nurse and a midwife. Her previous projects range from being Arts Director of one of the UK Cultural Olympiad projects in 2012; to creating large scale willow sculptures; to developing a lively Community Arts centre.
Ruth Fabby MBE
Ruth Fabby [formerly Gould until October 2019] is the Director of Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) since August 2019. Now residing in Cardiff, Ruth is leading the organisation to support a creative and equal Cymru where disabled and Deaf people are pivotal to the arts of the nation.
Previously she was the founder and Artistic Director of DaDaFest, one of the most successful disability arts festivals in the world.
Ruth initially trained in performance arts, speech and drama at Liverpool Theatre School, and has worked in the arts / disability arts all her professional life.
Ruth sees disability rights as human rights and is a passionate and knowledgeable speaker.
Ceri Ll Davies
Ceri attended Cantonian High School in Cardiff and read Music at Oxford University.
She has significant experience of arts education and the use of technology in the arts, having worked in Social Action, Community Music and Creative Learning through the arts. During 15 years at BBC Learning, she also produced award-winning interactive content in English and Welsh – including arts propositions - and as an Executive Producer led interdisciplinary teams across the UK.
Ceri believes that active participation and engagement though the arts are life-enhancing at every level.
Jacob Gough
Born in Aberystwyth Jacob started his career at Aberystwyth Arts Centre as a technician. In 2007 he made his first journey to Palestine where he volunteered with a human rights group and worked alongside ambulance crews. After returning to Aberystwyth for a year he left his job and moved back to join ‘The Freedom Theatre’, an NGO in Jenin Refugee Camp specialising in theatre and media for young people. Here Jacob established a technical training programme for theatre and worked as their Production manager, managing all their productions and international touring.
In 2014 Jacob gained a Masters in Disaster Management. That same year after working as a freelancer for National Theatre Wales he became their full-time production manager, he delivered some of NTWs most memorable shows including Mametz, City of The Unexpected and The Tide Whisperer. At NTW he was able to build on his passion for sustainability and access developing systems to enhance both.
In 2019 he left NTW to join Coventry City of Culture as Production Director, one of the SMT and in charge of delivery of the year long programme. As well as leading on production for the festival he also led the organisations work on sustainability.
July 2021 Jacob was asked to take up a senior role for Collective Cymru, becoming the Exec Director. Collective Cymru was a cross sector partnership brought together to bid and deliver a large-scale commission by Welsh Government as part of UNBOXED. The production GALWAD played out over 7 days at the end of September 2022.
With GALWAD over, Jacob has set up his own Creative & Production Consultancy company called Deryncoch, delivering consultancy and project management across a number of areas including operational systems and sustainability and his current clients include Leeds and Bradford Culture Trusts and Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru.
Julie Sangani
Julie is a dedicated professional who is passionate about aiding young people in developing leadership and management skills, especially those from underrepresented groups. Her current positions include Cabinet Member (Job Sharing) at Cardiff City Council, responsible for Public Health, Equality, Diversity, and Asylum Seekers, and the local Councillor.
She is poised to become a part-time Business Development Manager at Learning Disability Wales, aiming to advance her dedication to the integration of individuals with learning disabilities into society.
Her professional journey started as a community school governor, championing the needs of the youth. As a woman of colour in a significant role, she is committed to ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented, and that the youth have a voice.
Previously, Julie has been associated with Chwarae Teg and The Prince’s Trust Cymru , In her multiple hat she created numerous opportunities for young people from various backgrounds by networking and collaborating with partner organisation.
Being a founder member of The Indian Women Association of Wales, she assists Indian women overcoming cultural hurdles by providing practical and emotional support and highlighting accessible resources.
In her role as a county councillor, she encourages democratic engagement and she is also a Co-Vice Chair of NWAMI, promoting intercultural understanding.
She has an established history of successful project execution, time management, and involvement with diverse communities, underscoring her dedication to making a positive impact.
Sarah Boswell
Having spent the past 20 years working across government, not-for-profits, and arts boards, Sarah brings invaluable insights and connections to this role. Their commitment to the development of the arts is unwavering, grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the cultural, economic, and socio-political landscapes in which the Arts Council operates.
As a champion of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, Sarah will support the integration of this into the Arts Council’s strategy, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for Welsh arts. Their previous roles, including with Arts Queensland, Queensland Ballet and Creative New Zealand, showcase their ability to foster diversity, inclusion, and economic outcomes through innovative programming and strategic planning.
In this role, Sarah will support ACW in bridging local and international gaps and fostering growth and collaboration within the arts sector. We are confident in their ability to support the Arts Council of Wales in navigating current challenges and promoting the arts for the benefit of all communities in Wales.
Jonathan Pugh
Jonathan is a senior lecturer in theatre and media at University of Wales Trinity Saint David where over twenty-five years he has devised, produced and toured work for theatre audiences and recently overseen participatory and collaborative projects in the Swansea and Carmarthen area.
Striking a balance between the often quantitative work of higher education and the qualitative impact of the arts across society in the contemporary creative industries has involved connecting technology to narrative to provide a platform and a space for the development of creative voices through education and training.
As a firm believer that our environment informs our stories as told by our artists and communities, Jonathan holds an MA in Classical Studies in which he connected geological events to Ancient Greek origin myth. He continues to work towards facilitating existing mythologies and stories 'yet to be explored' through physical and site derived practice and embraces the capacity for creative engagement as underlined by our Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
A lover of the natural world and the influence that Wales' natural resources continue to have globally, he recognises the potential for inspiration and discourse that grounding language, identity and location creates in our extensive and multi-layered arts scene.
An alumnus of Aberystwyth University and UWTSD, and previously a board member of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Jonathan has significant experience of creative and educational compliance to support the stories we tell ourselves across our narrative Nation.
Keith Murrell
Keith Murrell is a singer, writer, visual artist, DJ, and producer.
Keith was raised in the Docks (Butetown), Cardiff, and his work today is a direct continuation of his experiences living and working in the community.
Keith currently leads BACA (Butetown Arts & Culture Association), producing the annual Butetown Carnival and other community-based arts projects.
As well as his involvement in the arts, he has previously worked in the public and voluntary sectors on a range of community and social justice issues.
Ffion Haf Evans
Ffion has over 14 years in directing theatre and lecturing drama, theatre and performance within the Higher Education Sector. Currently subject lead across Film, Media, Journalism and Drama and Senior Lecturer in Performance at Bangor University, Ffion oversees the curriculum management across the undergraduate courses within the Department of Arts at the School of Arts, Culture and Language. On a regular basis, Ffion is often collaborating with external stakeholders and practitioners from the creative industries to enhance an industry focused curriculum design.
Interested in nurturing the next generation of creatives into the creative industries, health and educational sector, Ffion is always striving to ensure that every voice can share their own story within this diverse world that we live in.
Prior to this, Ffion was Associate Director to North Wales based theatre company, Fran Wen, where she directed national touring productions across Wales and contributed to the establishment of the young people’s community company that is now rooted in their very own building, NYTH (nest), in Bangor. Ffion has also directed national productions for Theatr Cymru (Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru), staging productions at venues such as Sherman Cymru, Wales Millenium Centre, Taliesin Arts Centre, Lyric Theatre, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Theatr Clwyd, Galeri Caernarfon and Pontio and has also developed artistic ventures with the National Theatre Wales, Living Pictures, National Theatre Scotland, International Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Wales Arts International, Goethe Institute Glasgow and the Schaubühne Theatre from Berlin.
Nan Williams
Born in Anglesey, North Wales and raised in Llanidloes in Mid Wales, Nan is an entrepreneur and international businesswoman as well as a non-executive director of a range of Welsh organisations. Throughout her business career she has been a champion for diversity, equity, inclusion and social mobility.
She founded Four Agency Worldwide some twenty years ago which operates across seven offices in London, Sheffield, the Middle East and Wales (Four Cymru). She specialises in reputation and issues management, stakeholder relations, marketing services and responsible AI. Her governance expertise extends across a range of Welsh organisations, serving as Pro-Chancellor of Swansea University, chair of the Welsh business diaspora organisation GlobalWelsh, Trustee of Wales Millennium Centre, and a coopted board member of Welsh National Opera.
Nan holds an MA in Languages and History of Art from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from the Cranfield School of Management. Her professional achievements are complemented by personal passions for art, theatre, music, Welsh history and Welsh rugby. Her other passion is her mischievous Welsh puppy, Sanau, who hails from Bridgend!
Nan is a Welsh speaker.
Wesley Bennett-Pearce
Wesley Bennett-Pearce is a theatre producer with extensive experience in developing and delivering live performance. As Director of Producing at Theatr Clwyd in North Wales, he oversees all productions and visiting work on the theatre’s stages, working closely with the Artistic Director to commission and develop new plays and musicals. He is committed to fostering greater inclusion of Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists across all areas of theatre and the arts in Wales, both on and off stage.
Prior to joining Theatr Clwyd, he was a producer at Leeds Playhouse for six years, where he led on major productions including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (original production ahead of its UK Tour), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (UK Theatre Award winner), and Oliver Twist (directed by Amy Leach), a landmark production for Ramps on the Moon.
He is passionate about creating ambitious, high-quality theatre that engages audiences across Wales and beyond. At Theatr Clwyd, he leads the producing, programming, and theatre-making teams, as well as the venue’s technical operations.
Dr Elid Morris
Dr. Elid Morris is the Head of Operations for Taith, Wales' international learning exchange programme which facilitates life-changing opportunities for individuals in Wales to learn, study, and volunteer worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in local government, higher education, and the third sector in Wales, Elid has extensive expertise in grants management, compliance, governance, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration, which has included developing arts and cultural initiatives.
Elid brings significant board experience to her role, having served as an independent member of ACW’s Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee for six years.
With a passion for the arts, especially theatre and music, Elid has also been a member of various choirs in both Cardiff and Swansea.
Sarah Pace
Dr. Sarah Pace is Co-Director of Addo, a Wales-based organisation that curates contemporary art projects that aim to enhance the cultural ecologies of places, sites, and communities. With over 20 years of experience in the public art sector, Sarah collaborates with a diverse range of artists, partners, and communities to create projects that seek to enrich everyday life and drive social change. Her PhD research explored state-sponsored public art commissioning towards social change, shaping her critical and pragmatic approach to art practice in the public realm.
Sarah has led numerous multi-partner initiatives in complex, interdisciplinary contexts. Recent projects include UNDERCURRENTS – On Our Doorstep, a cultural initiative connecting Aber Valley communities with their environmental and cultural assets, developed in partnership with Undercurrents – Arts in the Aber Valley and Caerphilly CBC Arts Development Team. As part of Addo, she is currently managing the Associate Artist Residency Programme for Natur am Byth, Wales’ flagship Green Recovery project, on behalf of and in collaboration with Natural Resources Wales and their project partners.
Sarah is a member of the Visual Arts Central Panel for the National Eisteddfod of Wales and an RSA Fellow.
Joshua Robertson
Joshua is a leading cultural strategist and policy expert with a dynamic background spanning the arts, public policy, and social justice. Currently serving as a leader in anti-racism and decolonisation in the UK museums sector, he has spearheaded transformative sector-wide initiatives, including the acclaimed Anti-Racist Museums Programme. A respected thought leader, Joshua has authored influential policy commentary and international advocacy that has shaped national frameworks and driven systemic change across UK cultural institutions.
Alongside his policy work, Joshua is an accomplished multidisciplinary performer with a background in singing, acting, and dance. His performance credits include work with Katherine Jenkins OBE, Bastille, Hans Zimmer, and the internationally acclaimed physical theatre company Frantic Assembly.
His career also includes Associate Director and Teaching Fellowships at Welsh National Opera, Fio Theatre Company, and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. As Co-Founder of ‘Welsh, Gifted and Black,’ he created Wales’ first Black-led artistic collective, reshaping representation in the Welsh cultural landscape.
With a background in cross-cutting government policy, Joshua brings a unique blend of cross-sector insight and a deep commitment to public value. A Freeman of the City of London and recipient of multiple commendations for public service and bravery, he brings a passion for equity, innovation, and cultural transformation to the Arts Council of Wales.
Emily Bamkole
Emily Bamkole is a dynamic educator, dance artist, choreographer, and producer whose work spans performance, education, and community engagement. Originally from Port Talbot, she began her professional journey at the University of Roehampton, where she studied Dance, and later trained with renowned companies such as National Youth Dance Wales, Rambert Quiksilver Company, County Youth Dance Company, and Siobhan Davies.
Central to Emily’s practice is her belief that dance is a universal language and that it should be accessible to everyone. One of her proudest achievements is Seedlings of Time, a personal collaboration with her father during the Covid-19 pandemic, exploring themes of time and familial bonds through dance.
Emily is proud to have worked as a producer and project manager for top UK dance institutions, including Trinity Laban, The Place, Candoco Dance Company, and National Dance Company Wales. As an arts and health practitioner and educator she has brought dance to people of all ages and backgrounds through Arts Depot, Age UK, and Breathe Arts at Guy’s and St Thomas' Hospitals, and a variety of educational institutions.
Guided by the philosophy, "Be like a river, not a reservoir," Emily’s career reflects a commitment to fluidity and interconnectedness. She thrives in roles that allow her to move seamlessly between performance, education, and community-focused work, where each aspect informs and enriches the others.
Amanda Morgan Thomas
Amanda, based in Cardiff, is an experienced Coach and Consultant, empowering senior leaders, internationally, to improve performance across numerous sectors. Previously, she worked in-house as a Human Resources Director in the UK, EMEA, and the USA, whilst living in London. She has advised on start-ups, acquisitions, joint ventures, and restructures.
In addition to her role with the Arts Council of Wales, she is a dedicated member of the Wales Advisory Board for Marie Curie Cymru. She has previously served as a Non-Executive Director at Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice. Over the past 30 years, she has held a variety of Executive Board positions, shaping and guiding organisations with integrity and insight.
Amanda’s connection to the arts sector runs deep. As both a performer and a devoted supporter since childhood, she has witnessed firsthand its transformative power. Driven by a fierce commitment to preserving and nurturing a vibrant arts community for future generations, she draws on the invaluable lessons and bold practices learned from working with many organisations. Her work with ACW is fueled by her unshakable belief in the cultural, social, and economic importance of the arts. With such a wealth of experience, Amanda focuses on leadership, strategic partnerships, and transformative change, with a desire to ensure the sector’s future is as impactful as its past.