Meet Kathy Curling – Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Friends are delighted to welcome Kathy Curling as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees at the RWA…

Kathy has been a Patron of the RWA for four years, during which time she has expressed her enjoyment and appreciation of the RWA’s innovative and inspirational exhibitions and courses. She has commented upon how the RWA has ‘changed, opened up and reached out beyond all recognition during this time’.

As she takes over as Chair from Jerry Cowhig, however, she is fully aware of ‘the difficulties confronting the RWA at this most challenging time, facing both the Coronavirus shutdown and the need to continue work on the Light and Inspiration capital project.’

Kathy is well connected within the Bristol community through her voluntary Board and Committee work, especially through the University of Bristol, Bristol Drugs Project and Avon Tennis. But it is in relation to the Light and Inspiration project that Kathy’s professional skills and experience in planning and development will bring particular benefit to the RWA. She has set up and developed a number of businesses based in Bristol, but with a national public and private sector client base. She therefore not only has a strong link into the local Bristol business community, but will also bring her business expertise to assist with building the RWA’s resilience at this time of great change within the organisation.

She told us: “I’m looking forward to working with the Academicians, Friends and all those involved at the RWA – including staff and volunteers – towards a bright and exciting future.”

The Friends of the RWA is an independent charity that supports the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol’s first art gallery. 

For just £35 a year Friends can make unlimited visits to RWA exhibitions and enjoy a host of other benefits, as well as making an important contribution to the arts in Bristol and the South West. Find out more and join up here.