Meet the board
Meet NOVUM 2O24 Board Members!
We have been building strategic relationships within Newcastle, focussing on community engagement, city centre business impact, creative economy development and economic sustainability - with our Board Members being a sector bridge between the above areas and the arts and culture.
We asked them to tell us more about their strategic priorities and their views on NOVUM. Read their answers below.
Vix Leaney
Project Manager for Creative Central NCL / Economic Development Officer, Newcastle City Council
Vix has over 15 years’ experience working in both senior strategic and delivery focused roles in the cultural and creative sector in the North East, with a particular focus on large scale outdoor events and commissioning, working for the destination and inward investment agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative and also in a freelance capacity as a producer. Vix also brings recent experience working for a national Climate Change charity embedding climate co-benefits into local authority policy.
Vix has a particular interest in cross sector partnership working and co design and a passion for the creative sector which she hopes to continue to see flourish and thrive in the North East.
What are your/your organisation strategic priorities?
Creative Central NCL is a place based economic development/regeneration project that is focused on supporting and developing the creative sector in central Newcastle. Strategically we want to create an environment and framework for the sector to flourish and thrive (through access to skills and business support, affordable and sustainable workspace and opportunities). We also want to see the Creative Central NCL area change to reflect the creative communities that work there through interventions in the public realm and to underpin it all with engagement work that continues to broaden the future creative sector workforce. This project is built on partnerships and co-design with the sector.
Why does Newcastle need a summer Festival?
Newcastle has been calling out for a unique homegrown summer festival for years, something that can develop and grow into the city centre that the communities that live and spend time here can feel proud of and ownership for.
How can NOVUM and/or its professional development programme help you reach your goals?
Our project, Creative Central NCL is about strengthening and developing the creative workforce so the professional development programme is strategically aligned with that goal. The important legacy work around this though will also be to ensure that there are sufficient opportunities here in the region so that we retain the talent and build genuine capacity in the region (and don't lose it all elsewhere) so thinking strategically about how the professional development programme plugs into the sector here and what future opportunities there are is a key element to this in my opinion.
What change would you like to see in the next 3 years?
For the creative sector in Newcastle (and in the region) to have strengthened and continue to adapt to the ever changing landscape, to be more inclusive and diverse and for there to be ample opportunities for artists and creatives to establish and grow their careers here.
Lesley Strickland
Tourism, Events & Sports Lead, North of Tyne Combined Authority
Lesley has a solid history of achievement in events, culture, tourism, sports and heritage. She’s a motivated leader with strong organisational and prioritisation abilities.
What are your/your organisation strategic priorities?The North of Tyne Tourism & Events Programme has a strong fit with the Combined Authority’s vision and key priorities. The programme demonstrates strong alignment with the North of Tyne Economic Vision and with regional and national policy.
Why does Newcastle need a summer Festival?
Newcastle needs a summer festival so that it will become the flagship cultural event for Newcastle Upon Tyne and the wider region. It is anticipated that the festival will grow in reputation over a 5-year period to the point that it attracts a significant level of visitors to the region creating a high level of economic impact while the significant levels of resident and community participation will result in achieving a wide range of social impacts.
How can NOVUM and/or its professional development programme help you reach your goals?
By achieving the above-mentioned intention.
What change would you like to see in the next 3 years?
As the region transitions into the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (which incorporates 7 local authorities) - it would be great to see the whole of the North East benefit from the collaboration and maximise on every opportunity made available.
Joanne Michelle Burke
Creative Operations Lead, Chilli Studios Ltd
Jo is the Creative Operations Lead for Chilli Studios. Set up in 2004, Chilli Studios is a registered charity that delivers services to those who are, or are at risk of experiencing diagnosed mental health problems, and those who experience other forms of social exclusion within their communities.
Our mission is to promote the power of creativity to empower individuals to challenge internal and external perceptions of mental health. Valuing everyone’s unique personal expression, inspiring people to take creative chances, build skills and celebrate achievements.
Jo is a multi-disciplined and installation artist with over 20years of experience in creative and strategic work in arts & heritage management; project & event management; community & mental health; curation; facilitation & commissions for all ages and abilities.
What are your/your organisation strategic priorities?
Our aim is to improve mental health through creativity. To promote creative freedom and provide a compassionate and safe service.
Our mission is to provide a sustainable service that engages people in creative activity, which promotes social inclusion and interaction, develops skills and ability which builds resilience, enables potential and improves wellbeing.
Why does Newcastle need a summer Festival?
Our communities need to feel involved in our cities and directly see the importance of arts to our well-being and culture. NOVUM brings exciting and unique experiences for everyone. That also celebrates the artistic and cultural richness of the North East whilst bringing new dynamic connections and opportunities from around the globe.
How can NOVUM and/or its professional development programme help you reach your goals?
To support and improve the provision of safe and better access and resources for our disability community in our cities and cultural sector. To also widen engagement and artistic opportunities for those experiencing Mental Health conditions.
What change would you like to see in the next 3 years?
Oh, that's too much of a massive question to contemplate! A richer and more active understanding of how to exist - to allow everyone to strive for a fulfilled life. Better methods of equity and diverse equality and working to support the environment, nature & the planet. Short term - a bit more kindness.
