Alistair Hardaker | Image: Paul Sapwell
Incoming chair has led Hampshire Cultural Trust for over nine years, having joined the charity as chief operating officer in 2016.
The chief executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, Paul Sapwell, has been appointed as the new chair of Kids in Museums.
The new appointment succeeds Vanessa Eke, who steps down after three and a half years as chair. During Eke’s tenure, Kids in Museum was named ‘Best Sector Support Organisation’ at the Museum + Heritage Awards.
Kids in Museum supports family friendly organisations through initiatives including the Family Friendly Museum Award and Takeover Day.
Sapwell has served as Hampshire Cultural Trust for over nine years, having joined in 2016 as COO. The charity said Sapwell is “particularly passionate about museums being welcoming, inspiring places that listen to young audiences and reflect their lives, stories and creativity.”
Sapwell said: “I’ve spent my career working for organisations that are about opening doors – supporting young people, families and communities to have greater access and feel confident in spaces and places that can sometimes feel intimidating or out of reach.
“I want to thank the outgoing Chair, Vanessa Eke, for her drive, leadership and care over the past three and a half years, and I’m really looking forward to working with our Executive Director Alison Bowyer and the brilliant Kids in Museums team.”
Sapwell joins a board of nine Trustees at Kids in Museums, including two Young Trustees aged 18–25.
