Andrew Ogun is a 23-year-old musician, writer, designer and activist from Newport, Wales. He begins in post on 15th April.
Andrew’s appointment fulfils a commitment made by the Arts Council to take specific action to make sure that access to its activities, services and funding is fairer and more equal. This commitment is set out in Council’s Black Lives Matter statement and in its support of the Seven Inclusive Principles for Inclusive Recovery for the arts that have grown out of the #WeShallNotBeRemoved campaign.
Aside from his creative ventures, Andrew has spent the last year predominantly focusing on Black Lives Matter and establishing the movement in Gwent. He organised the Black Lives Matter march in Newport, which had over 2000 attendees, and played a crucial role in the creation and implementation of the Welsh Government Race Equality Action Plan which took inspiration from the Black Lives Matter manifestos published in 2020. Andrew has also worked with several other agencies and organisations to centre racial and social justice within Wales.
Welcoming Andrew’s appointment, Phil George, Arts Council of Wales Chair said:
“The Arts Council of Wales has made a clear commitment to change. No‑one can be unaware of the disproportionate impact of the Covid‑19 virus on diverse communities and disabled people. As we emerge from Covid restrictions it’s essential that those communities that have previously felt marginalised and ignored are able to take their proper place in our cultural recovery.
“Commitment is all very well, but communities are telling us that this is not the time for ‘conversations’ but for action. We need to translate our commitment into action, and the “Agent for Change” will help lead this. Andrew will have the full and engaged support of Council”.
The “Agent for Change” will work at the heart of the Arts Council using their knowledge, expertise and lived experience to identify and call out the barriers that prevent fairness and inclusion. The “Agent for Change” will lead a process of cultural change within the Arts Council itself and will work to influence the transformation of opportunities across the wider cultural sector.
The post is for an initial two-year period and further details about the role can be found here - https://arts.wales/news-jobs-opportunities/agent-for-change
The Arts Council of Wales’ Black Lives Matter statement is here -https://arts.wales/news-jobs-opportunities/black-lives-matter-0
and our support of the Seven Inclusive Principles for Inclusive Recovery for the arts that have grown out of the #WeShallNotBeRemoved campaign can be found here -
“My creative journey started at the age of 17 when I launched a clothing brand - called SUPERNOVA - with my friend and this was a catalyst for my creative endeavours. Moving on from clothing, I pursued music which has been my main passion over the years, recently releasing my latest EP, 'Flight Mode'.
“Having studied English Literature for my bachelor's degree, I’m also a writer and published poet. Focusing on the arts, music, fashion and culture, I’ve written for the likes of Guap Magazine and regularly contribute to New Wave Magazine.
“I look forward very much to starting in the role of Agent for Change with the Arts Council of Wales and indeed working with the wider arts sector – which is itself such an important agent for change in our society.”
Andrew Ogun.