ICOM UK Announces Leadership Transition and Welcomes New Team Members

London, 26 Jan 2024 – The International Council of Museums – United Kingdom National Committee (ICOM UK) announces a significant leadership transition as Dana Andrew, Executive Director, and Louise Bevan, Membership Manager, step down from their roles after a decade of dedicated service. The Board expresses its gratitude to Dana and Louise for their outstanding contributions to ICOM over the past ten years – and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours. Under their collective stewardship, ICOM UK has experienced substantial growth in its membership and made notable strides in advancing the organisation’s mission. Dana and Louise’s work has left a lasting impact, and their joint contributions will be remembered with appreciation.
 
Incoming Leadership
In the meantime, ICOM UK is delighted to welcome Kate Arthurs as an Interim Strategic Director. Formerly the Global Director Arts for the British Council, Kate Arthurs brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and international cultural relations. Her vision and expertise will be instrumental in helping to prepare ICOM UK for its next phase of development. She will be tasked to undertake a Strategic Review of ICOM UK operations, following which a permanent Director will be appointed later in the year.
 
We are also delighted to welcome Katie Hardgrave as Membership & Administration Manager, who joins ICOM UK following a successful career in office management, human resources and administration for the Royal Navy.
 
Acknowledging Contributions
The Board extends its sincere thanks to Dana Andrew and Louise Bevan for their exemplary service. They have been instrumental in positioning ICOM UK as a prominent advocate for museums in the United Kingdom and beyond, with its growing programme of bursaries, partnerships, membership activities and the annual conference. As they transition to new opportunities, the Board expresses its gratitude for their efforts.
 
Welcome to the Team
“While it is sad to say goodbye to Dana and Louise after a decade with ICOM, we are thrilled to welcome Kate Arthurs and Katie Hardgrave to the ICOM UK team,” said Christian Baars, Co-Chair of the ICOM UK Executive Committee. “Their respective wealth of knowledge of the cultural sector and experience in wider administration will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of ICOM UK.”
 
Looking Ahead
The transition coincides with preparations for the 2024 ICOM UK Conference – Common Ground: the role of museums in divided communities, scheduled to take place at the Ulster Museum in Belfast on Friday 12 April. This conference promises to be a platform for rich discussions, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among professionals in the museum and cultural heritage community.
 
ICOM UK looks forward to an exciting chapter with its new leadership team.

About ICOM UK
ICOM UK is the United Kingdom National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). It is a gateway to the global museum community and the only UK museum association with a dedicated international focus.  As a professional membership organisation, ICOM UK supports best practice standards for the promotion and preservation of intangible and material heritage.  Through its global reach and event programme, ICOM UK contributes to and supports the international agenda of museums in the UK.
 
 
Event Information
2024 ICOM UK Conference – Common Ground: the role of museums in divided communities
Dates: Friday 12 April – Saturday 13 April
Location: Ulster Museum, Belfast

We live in an age of division and discord, with many communities riven by political differences, social inequalities and, in some cases, conflict and its legacy. This conference will explore the role of museums as important shared spaces, where differences can be ethically discussed and represented, and areas of commonality identified and valued. Hear from museum professionals from the island of Ireland, the UK and the global museum community, in a city that has been damaged by division but through the ongoing social peace process is embracing the opportunities of the present and looking to a more positive future. The ICOM UK 2024 Conference is a collaboration between ICOM UK, NMDC and National Museums NI, with support from the Northern Ireland Museums Council, the Irish Museums Association, ICOM Ireland and Barker Langham.
 
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