Who we are


We’re a group of like-minded partners united by a shared commitment to advocate for culture, heritage and the creative industries in Hampshire. By bringing together voices from local theatres, galleries, museums, festivals and creative businesses, our aim is to ensure that culture and creativity sit at the heart of broader county priorities and help shape long-term plans. Culture Connects belongs to the people who drive the cultural and creative sectors in our region. If you want to help us grow Culture Connects as the strategic voice for culture and creativity in Hampshire, we invite you to join us.

Jane Bryant
Chair of Trustees,
Winchester Poetry Festival

Matthew Cleaver
Chief Executive,
Anvil Arts

Mark Drury
Executive Director,
SPUD

Charles Freeman
Executive Director,
Creative Network South

Jim Mitchell
Access and Learning Manager,
New Forest National Park Authority

Deryck Newland
Chief Executive and Artistic Director,
Play to the Crowd

Sheila Pott
Museum Development Officer,
Museum Development South West

Maria Ragan
Director,
St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery

Anooshka Rawden
Cultural Heritage Strategy Lead,
South Downs National Park

Paul Sapwell
Chief Executive,
Hampshire Cultural Trust

Jo Stark
Head of Innovation & Commercialisation ,
University of Winchester

Mary Swan
Artistic Director & CEO,
Proteus Theatre Company

Ben Ward
CEO,
Wonderseekers
Contact us
