Andy, what’s your role within Lichfield Arts, and what does it involve?

As a Trustee, along with my fellow Trustees, we agree and set the charity’s values and mission and ensure that all of Lichfield Arts activities contribute towards its charitable objects. Trustees are responsible for the governance of Lichfield Arts and making sure that all its activities are lawful and conform with appropriate charity legislation. Trustees are also responsible for the financial viability of Lichfield Arts, overseeing the finances and agreeing on the charity’s strategic future. All trustees are in regular contact with the team of staff and volunteers that undertake Lichfield Arts operational activities, helping to deal with any concerns and difficulties that may arise.

What drew you to get involved with Lichfield Arts?

Having only recently moved to Lichfield I wanted to become involved in the local community. I had the pleasure of meeting up with a number of Lichfield Arts volunteers and was blown away with their level of commitment and their enthusiasm and love for the charity. My first attendance at the Fuse Festival, as a resident of Lichfield, convinced me that Lichfield Arts was the community organisation that I wanted to find out more about and potentially become involved with.

What’s your background or professional experience in the arts or community work?

I started off working for an insurance broker and then a local government officer. In local government I initially worked within sports and leisure but ended up, for the majority of the time, supporting local voluntary and community sector organisations. Within a community leisure department I was responsible for the operation of three council run community centres and supporting the community development activities in a defined geographical area.

What do you enjoy most about being part of Lichfield Arts?

I have really enjoyed working, as part of a team, on problem solving the challenges Lichfield Arts faces along with all those concerned with the charity. I have found everyone very down to earth and friendly and yet highly professional and committed. It has been a pleasure getting to know everyone and learning more about the charity.

What’s something you’re proud of contributing to at Lichfield Arts?

It’s very early days for me and my contributions, to date, have been to educate myself about Lichfield Arts and all of the charity’s varied undertakings. That said I’m very proud to be one of Lichfield Arts current trustees and looking forward to contributing to the charities future successes.

What are you most excited about for the future of Lichfield Arts?

Lichfield Arts future commitment to the local community encourages me enormously. I’m excited about Lichfield Arts continuing to reach out, and be relevant to, all communities particularly those more deprived and marginalised. I’m excited about building on the successes of the Emerging Talent programme, the Explore; Create; Connect outreach programme and the Future Leaders in Outdoor Arts project. I’m also excited to hear about what future contributions our Youth Council programme can make and I’m particularly interested in personally helping to shape the future strategic direction of Lichfield Arts.