Safle announces new Chair of the Board of Trustees

Safle, the Public Art Agency for Wales has announced Sue Essex as the organisation's new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

The former Welsh Assembly Government Minister Sue Essex will succeed Safle's founding chair Harry James, continuing her broad and
prolific career by joining the independent public art consultancy.

A qualified planner, Sue as Minister for the Environment set up the Design Commission for Wales and changed the planning system to give greater recognition for design in development and regeneration initiatives.

Sue Essex: "Having always been interested in art in all its forms I am delighted to join the board at Safle. I believe that public art is important to people's lives and together we will strive to continue to produce imaginative and admired artworks that capture people's imagination - in line with previous installations such as the 'Animal Wall' structure commissioned earlier this year, an installation that impressed me greatly. Our concentration is now firmly on Safle's future and I am greatly looking forward to working with the organisation and its supporters."

Throughout her professional and political career Sue's strong and active interest in contemporary art, architecture and design has greatly impressed Safle's board and staff members.

Wiard Sterk, Executive Director of Safle said:

"I am delighted that Sue Essex has agreed to succeed Harry James. Safle is a unique organisation in Wales and the UK and its work confirms and supports Wales's leading role in placing the arts and culture at the heart of public life. Sue brings to Safle a wealth of experience and knowledge, to lead the organisation in its next phase of development and assist the Staff and Board in taking forward current work and new initiatives. I look forward to work with Sue and place Safle on a firm footing, strengthen existing partnerships and develop new strands to our work."

Safle is supported by Arts Council of Wales.