The Arts Council of Wales today expressed its sadness at the recent death of Janek Alexander, former Artistic Director of Chapter in Cardiff.

Commenting today, Phil George, Chair Arts Council of Wales said:

‘We were all sad to hear of the passing of Janek Alexander, a distinguished theatre programmer and later Artistic Director of Chapter in Cardiff. Janek was deeply committed to bold and challenging work, a commitment which was richly productive and central to Chapter’s distinctive identity. He was also a generous encourager of artists, particularly of new talent and ensembles in the early stage of their development. Many of them have already been warm in their tributes to him and we shall hear much more in the months to come.

“Janek’s generosity was spiced and salted with a wry wit and the challenging provocations of a sharp intellect. He had a fierce commitment to Chapter’s core values and defended the organisation vigorously, steering it through the many difficulties faced by all arts organisations at different times. It’s no secret that he had run-ins with the Arts Council of Wales, with strongly-held values on both sides. But all of us in Wales devoted to the cause of the arts provoking, stimulating and delighting the diverse citizens of our nation – and being at the centre of community life – will gratefully remember and honour Janek. His work and character will not be forgotten.’