The comments made by Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, on 2 June 2026.
I am thrilled to announce Dawn Airey as the incoming chair of Arts Council England. She will take the helm at this incredibly important time, as this Government seeks to unlock access to exceptional arts for everyone, everywhere.
Dawn brings more than just a wide range of experience across broadcasting, theatre and the wider arts – she brings a passion for what the arts can do for this country and all the people in it. I have no doubt that she will insist on pressing ahead with long overdue action to put people back at the centre of their own national story.
I would also like to thank Sir Nicholas Serota for his tireless dedication to the arts and to artists. His tenure as Chair was during perhaps the most challenging time for the arts, encompassing funding cuts, a global pandemic, Brexit negotiations and the downgrading of arts on the national curriculum.
Throughout all of this he has been a calm, passionate and reassuring presence and a steadfast champion for access to great art. We owe him our gratitude.