We are thrilled to introduce CVAN WM’s new Steering Group! Following our recent recruitment process, we’re delighted to announce the appointment of Cathy Wade, Corinne, Kevin Hunt, Lucy Lopez, melissandre varin, and Seema Mattu, who will join Co-Chairs Heather Peak and John Eng Kiet Bloomfield, as well as existing Steering Group members Daniel Pryde-Jarman and Hannah Taylor. You can read more on the CVAN WM Steering Group here.

CVAN WM’s Steering Group plays a vital role in advocating for, supporting, and developing the visual arts across the West Midlands. Their work helps shape and inform the network’s strategy, partnerships, and activity, ensuring that artists and arts organisations have a strong and representative voice in regional and national conversations.

This recruitment process was part of our ongoing commitment to equity, inclusivity, and transparency in leadership. The selection of new members was informed by a detailed review of CVAN WM’s governance and membership structure, carried out by Earthen Lamp as part of a broader consultation with the West Midlands visual arts workforce in early 2025.

The consultation highlighted the importance of ensuring that our leadership structures reflect the diversity of experiences, disciplines, and communities that make up the region’s creative ecology. Drawing on Earthen Lamp’s findings, we refreshed our approach to recruitment and invited applications from practitioners and professionals across the visual arts.

We’re incredibly excited to welcome such a dynamic, knowledgeable, and passionate group to help guide CVAN WM through its next phase. Together, we will continue working to champion the visual arts in the region and support those who make it thrive.