Spike Island is pleased to announce the appointment of five new Trustees and two new co-opted members to its Board. These appointments bring a wealth of experience and expertise across contemporary art, cultural leadership, public engagement and strategic development, and will be instrumental in supporting the organisation through an important period of transformation. 

The newly appointed Trustees are: 

• Sophie Amono, Creative Director at Studio Tuku 

• Theresa Bergne, Director of Field Art Projects 

• Paul Purgas, multidisciplinary artist and musician 

• Lianne Toye, Director at Lianne Toye Consulting 

• Dea Vanagan, Senior Director of Hauser & Wirth Somerset 

They are joined by co-opted members: 

• Maria do Carmo M.P. de Pontes, independent curator and writer 

• Abbe Smith, CFP/Director at The Hideaway 

The new appointments come at a time of change for Spike Island, as the organisation rearticulates its mission and vision for the future under the leadership of Director Nicole Yip and Deputy Director Kate Ward. Key strategic priorities over the next three years include fostering a collaborative culture across the organisation, strengthening its profile in the city, improving the visitor experience through a capital redevelopment project, building financial resilience, and sustaining international connections. 

Chair of the Board, Professor Judith Squires, said: 

“We are thrilled to welcome such a talented and diverse group of new trustees, who each have exceptional expertise and experience in fields that are key to our organisation’s future development, as well as genuine enthusiasm for the work of Spike Island. I look forward to working with them all to realise our ambitious programme of activities.” 

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in providing leadership, strategic direction, and accountability. Their responsibilities include setting policy and budgets, monitoring performance, fulfilling legal and charitable obligations, appointing and supporting senior staff, and helping to shape the organisation’s advocacy and fundraising. 

Spike Island also thanks its outgoing Trustees Rosa Corbishley and Marie Bak Mortensen for their contributions to the organisation. 

Current Trustees: Lucy Bailey, Harriet Bowman, Louise O’Donnell (Hon. Treasurer), Catherine Frankpitt, William Gething, Tamsin Hong, Lenacha Lema, Piers Tincknell, Paula Newport, Jane Sillis, and Professor Judith Squires (Chair).