Arts Award Voice recently interviewed the Chief Executive of Arts Council England, Darren Henley.
Darren worked in radio for 25 years (leading Classic FM for the past 15) and recently led two independent government reviews into music and cultural education. His review of Music Education in England and review of Cultural Education in England published in 2011 and 2012 respectively, resulted in the creation of England's first National Plan for Music Education, the network of Music Education Hubs, the Museums and Schools programme, the BFI Film Academy and the National Youth Dance Company. These reviews contributed towards Darren receiving an OBE for services to music. In 2014 he was appointed as the new Chief Executive of Arts Council England, succeeding Alan Davey who held the role for seven years, officially starting the job in April 2015.
In the interview Darren says of Arts Award: ‘The great thing Arts Award does is provide a valuable qualification for young people that recognises the importance of arts and cultural subjects in their overall learning.’
You can read the full interview here where Darren discusses his career beginnings, the responsibilities of being Chief Executive, the impact of his education reviews and the importance of Arts Award.