In July Dr Alison Frater takes the helm at Blue Apple , artist in resident at the University of Winchester, after Prof Ed Rochead steps down as Chair.
Having successfully steered the charity through the pandemic and diversified the board, Ed leaves the charity well-positioned for growth.
Alison, a former Director of Public Health with a PhD in cancer epidemiology, has excelled in addressing health inequalities and improving healthcare access. She advocates for the arts' transformative power in the criminal justice system and supports inclusivity through roles at Clean Break and Hijinx.
Alison said: “It’s an honour to be appointed Chair of Blue Apple. I’m inspired by a theatre company founded by and for learning disabled people that delivers on its mission. I’ve witnessed how inclusive theatre connects hearts to minds in unique, fun and exciting ways transforming lives, making the world a better place. I’m keen to support the members, staff and Board pushing boundaries, driving this vision forward.”
Alan Lovell, DL, Patron of Blue Apple commented: “I am delighted to welcome Alison as Chair of Blue Apple Theatre and am confident that both her professional skills and her arts governance experiences will make her a superb Chair. She is exceedingly well placed to lead it into its exciting new phase of growth both for its participants and as a leader in the disability arts sector.”
Professor Sarah Greer, Vice Chancellor, University of Winchester said: “The University of Winchester is proud to host Blue Apple Theatre as its artist in residence, and I'm delighted to welcome Dr Alison Frater as its new Chair of Trustees. I am confident that Alison will lead Blue Apple to even greater success in creating outstanding arts with learning disabled participants and grow its role as a confident leader in the UK, and world, learning disabled arts sector.”
Professor Edward Rochead added: “I thank the trustees, staff, freelancers, stakeholders, volunteers, and most of all, the Blue Apple participants.
"I pay tribute to Kim Gottlieb and Lucy McKenna who are retiring alongside me, who have brought great compassion and enthusiasm to their roles, and the charity is in a better place due to their work. Blue Apple's recent strides in online offerings, Hampshire expansion, training for inclusive arts professionals, and participant involvement in decision making fill me with immense pride.
"With Dr Alison Frater as Chair, and the body of trustees that she inherits, I am confident of even greater achievements in the future.”
Richard Conlon, Artistic Director observed: “The changeover as established trustees leave and new ones join can be tricky for small charities, but the current movement on the board of Blue Apple is being managed with warmth and heart.
"This bittersweet time will be greeted (as it says in Hamlet) ‘with an auspicious and a dropping eye’ as we welcome a new chair ready to walk hand in hand with the staff towards an exciting future in a landscape that has never been more challenging for the cultural sector. Alison knows all about the intersection between culture social justice, between entertainment and civil rights.”
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