KATE MASON

Panel Member

Kate Mason has worked consistently in a variety of roles across the arts, heritage, community, cultural and creative industries sectors over the last 27 years.  A strategist, persuader and cultural broker, she is a passionate advocate for the value of the arts, crafts and design as key pillars for a broad and balanced education.

Kate early passion kick-started her career with an MA in Heritage Studies with a focus on Museums interpretation.  Her thesis explored the Arts & Crafts Movement and the role and influence of William Morris and John Ruskin. These interests continue to be reflected in her ongoing work and commitments.

Kate currently works at the arts education charity The Big Draw in her role as Director, channelling her personal passions in neat alignment in support of their visual literacy agenda and in support of the role and value of creativity in enriching our lives.

Kate is a Companion of The Guild of St George, an educational charity devoted to the arts, crafts and the rural economy which was founded in 1871 by John Ruskin. The Big Draw also runs the UK wide John Ruskin Contemporary Arts and Crafts Prize. Kate is also a Trustee of the House of Imagination, an arts-based action research charity which supports children in their exploration and expression of ideas, helping them develop creative skills for life.

Kate is also Chair, Trustee and Council Member of The Society of Designer Craftsmen Est.1887. Originally called The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, the organisation continues to promote and support the work of creative thinkers, designers and makers who innovate through their exploration of materials and skills.

She is a Fellow of the RSA and has written and spoken publicly about her own personal challenges around living with OCD and what it means to be neurodiverse. Kate has two children, two cats and lives in East London with her partner. She likes to draw, knit, sew and visit historic sites of interest.

MARLENE WILEY

Panel Member

Marlene Wylie is Vice President at The National Society of Education in Art and Design a membership organisation that is the UK voice of Art, Craft and Design educators from all phases and sectors.

Having trained originally as a textiles designer Marlene has taught art, craft and design in schools at primary and secondary level for over 20 years.

Operating as a consultant in a strategic and co-ordinating role has resulted in the forging of professional relationships and contacts at key institutions in the field of Art, Craft and Design advocacy.

Marlene remains committed to supporting the growth and objectives of this organisation through a network of school meetings, events and activities across the country.

TONY HEATON OBE

Panel Member

Tony is a practising Sculptor, Chair of Shape Arts and Consultant/Advisor to many major cultural organisations, including: The British Council, Tate and the Research Centre for Museums and Galleries. He is the initiator of NDACA – the National Disability Arts Collection and Archive.

This sculpture, Gold Lamé, recently occupied The Liverpool Plinth and his “Monument to the Unintended Performer” was installed on the Big 4 at the entrance to Channel 4 TV Centre in celebration of the 2012 Paralympics. His sculpture “Squarinthecircle?” is situated outside the school of architecture, Portsmouth University.

He was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, 2013, for services to the arts and the disability arts movement and has an Alumni Award from Lancaster University and honorary Doctorates from both the University of Leicester and the new University Bucks.