Dr KEVIN DIXON

Member of the Board

I am Chair of Healthwatch Torbay as well as holding many other voluntary positions. I believe culture matters because its about how we can all live healthy and fulfilled lives. We all have a stake in making our bay a great place in which to live and work. And our history and heritage tell us where we've come from. If we know where we are now, we can get a good idea of where we're going! Kevin was reappointed in 2021.

VICTORIA GRIMBERG

Member of the Board

My experience includes bid writing and project management, both national and international level. Born and raised in Sweden, I moved to Torbay 7 years ago where I have participated in multiple local community projects including the ‘Postcard from Chelston’ and ‘Celebrate Chelston’. In March 2021 I became one of the directors of Taleblazers Community Interest Company (CIC). Culture has always been important to me and my aim is to ensure it is at the forefront for the community of Torbay, to improve our lives, as well as to build stronger connections with each other and the place we live. Victoria was appointed in 2021.

MATTHEW HARBOUR

Vice Chair of the Board

Culture plays a huge role in our lives, forming a bond that holds communities together. It helps shape our identity, defines the way we are and how we interact with each other. I am Deputy Chief Executive and Vice Principal at South Devon College and a passionate advocate for culture. Through my involvement with the Board, I will support initiatives and opportunities that inspire Torbay's communities, creating something special and unique that puts Torbay firmly on the cultural map. Matt was appointed Vice Chair in May 2021.

RICHARD MADDOCK

Member of the Board

I am a Director of Torquay-based Kay Elliott Architects with over 25 years experience in the field of architecture and masterplanning. I believe art and culture can help to build stronger communities - contributing to a sense of identity and wellbeing for all. I would love to see Torbay's rich and diverse cultural landscape brought to a wider audience and take a central role in creating opportunities to improve quality of life for everyone. Richard was reappointed in 2021.

BECKY NUTTALL

Member of the Board

I am an artist and a poet. I come from an artistic and literary background - my parents moved to Brixham to help it become a hub for artists in the 1950s. My father owned Milton Head Pottery, Brixham, was a successful playwright and helped found The Devon Guild of Craftsmen. I believe that culture allows diversity to be recognised and celebrated in our communities, allowing us to create a dynamic and empathetic system that embraces all socio-cultural differences within Torbay's outstanding environment. Becky was reappointed in 2021.

TANNY STOBART

Member of the Board

I am Director of Play Torbay and work as a play and playwork policy consultant. I am especially committed to promoting and developing a vibrant, joined up cultural sector in Torbay and supporting the development of opportunities for young people. I would like to give them a sense of personal progression, for example through the Arts Award scheme. I would also like to see an overall increase in involvement in culture and an enhanced cultural programme which includes a vibrant youth culture. Tanny was reappointed in 2021.

Doorstep Arts is a non-profit arts education organisation based in Torbay. They run 14 drama groups across Torbay at key doorstep sites – youth clubs, church halls, theatres and schools. They believe that 'we all make the story happen' – that participation in the arts is a key part of working for social justice. They believe that all children’s voices and stories matter and deserve to be listened to. Doorstep Arts believes that all children deserve to be able to access high quality participatory arts and to see (and make) amazing and inspiring work on their own doorsteps. Doorstep serves on the Board as a organisation, with rotating representation at board meetings, to ensure a diverse and inclusive set of perspectives from across their core team. Doorstep was appointed in 2021.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

In addition to the members of the listed above, Torbay Council is represented on the Board by the Council’s relevant portfolio holder for culture - in this case COUNCILLOR JACQUELINE THOMAS, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services.

The Council, which became the accountable body for Torbay Culture on 1 December 2021, is also represented by LISA TUCK, Divisional Director for Economy, Environment & Infrastructure, and PHIL BLACK, Service Manager for Culture & Events

Arts Council England as the national lead body for culture engages with the Board by attendance of the Arts Council’s Relationship Manager with responsibility for the Torbay local area. Other national organisations - like The National Lottery Heritage Fund - are invited and welcome to attend.

Working with local talent and external suppliers

Torbay Culture has worked with many different people in recent years.

These have included Katherine Findlay at Heritage Arts and People who developed the Torbay Heritage Strategy in collaboration with Torbay Culture and Torbay Council which was Highly Commended by the Royal Town Planning Institute south west awards (2021); Karen Marshall who provided cultural tourism expertise and produced heritage films including the award-winning Agatha Swims (2021); and Cat Radford who coordinated our culture, health and wellbeing programmes, and ensured extensive evaluation was completed and is now available in the Knowledge Share area.

We are currently working with Melinda Humphrey as Heritage Grants Advisor for our Torbay local heritage grant scheme; and Cat Radford is working with us on evaluation of that scheme and the Cultural Development Fund programme.

Whenever we have an opportunity we follow local government procurement processes and Public Contracts Regulations (2015).