We are excited to announce the appointment of Bernie Topham as Portsmouth Creates new Chair of the Board.

Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, said, “The appointment of Bernie comes at a very exciting time for Portsmouth Creates. Last year, we were awarded a significant uplift in funding by Arts Council England, enabling us to build upon our commitment to Portsmouth’s creatives and communities. We are beyond grateful to our founding Chair, Tim Rusby, for all he has brought to Portsmouth Creates over the last 4 years and look forward to working with Bernie as Chair.”

Tim Rusby, Founding Chair of Portsmouth Creates, added, “It has been an amazing privilege to be part of Portsmouth Creates, its birth and its early development. Under Bernie’s leadership, this very special organisation will undoubtedly go from strength to strength.”

Regarding her new role, Chair Bernie Topham said, “Throughout my career and life, I’ve seen the importance of culture and creativity in shaping thriving places and communities. I’m delighted to join Portsmouth Creates, and really excited to be working with them as dynamic advocates for creative growth in Portsmouth.”