National Youth Arts Wales, which overseas the running of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales has appointed Evan Dawson as its new Chief Executive.

The national charity receives funding from Arts Council of Wales as a member of the Arts Portfolio Wales. It also leads the development strategies for the National Youth Choir, National Youth Dance, National Youth Orchestra, National Youth Wind Orchestra and National Youth Theatre of Wales.

In the 2023 summer season of courses and performances it catered for over 230 young actors, musicians and singers aged 11-25.

New role

Mr Dawson, a Welsh speaker, will start his role in October 2023. Previously he worked as CEO of Live Music Now and most recently was CEO of the Royal Photographic Society — where he developed its first youth programme.

As a saxophonist and piano player, his own musical training included South Glamorgan's county music groups before joining National Youth Jazz Orchestra and spending a year studying jazz and studio music at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

He has also led his own 50-piece big band and volunteered as a children's music leader.

Over the years ahead, we will work in partnership with organisations and artists throughout Wales, together nurturing a confident and contemporary country, in which all talented young people can thriveEvan Dawson

Delighted

Speaking of his appointment he said: "I'm delighted. I'm excited to help lead the organisation into its next chapter, developing pathways to a wide range of creative industries, and helping people from all backgrounds to connect and flourish through extraordinary and collaborative arts events.

Over the years ahead, we will work in partnership with organisations and artists throughout Wales, together nurturing a confident and contemporary country, in which all talented young people can thrive."

Ideal person

David Jackson, Chair of NYAW's Board of Trustees, said: "With his broad arts, business and administrative expertise and vision Evan is the ideal person to lead NYAW forward into what promises to be an exciting and challenging future.

I and my fellow trustees look forward to working with him very much."