Chris Edwards, the former chief executive of Education Leeds, has been appointed as the new chair of the York Cultural Education Partnership.

A media release from the Council says, “Part of an initiative by Arts Council England, the partnership brings together arts and cultural organisations, educational institutions and City of York Council, to drive a joined up local arts and cultural offer, share resources and knowledge and ensure that children and young people can make the most of the city’s cultural offer. It was set up in 2016 following the city’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City”

Chris Edwards has held senior roles at City of York Council and as Chief Executive of Education Leeds. More recently he has undertaken consultancy in Staffordshire, Guernsey and for the Cutlers Company in Sheffield.

Chris will take over the chair from Chris Bailey, who held the post for three years.

Amanda Hatton, Director of Children, Education and Communities, City of York Council, said: “Chris Edwards brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having worked in the education sector for many years, and has a real commitment to ensuring that all children and young people achieve a high quality creative and cultural education. I look forward to working with him, and our partners, to help our young people access the wealth of cultural opportunities York provides, supporting our work as a UNESCO City of Media Arts.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Bailey for his work over the last three years, guiding the group from its inception in 2016 to the strong partnership we have today.”

Chris Edwards, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the York Cultural Education Partnership and to be working again in a city with such a rich heritage and culture, with great teachers working in strong schools and a vibrant and thriving arts sector.

“We know that culture and the arts matter with all the research suggesting that the arts can have a massive impact on children and young people, helping them develop the skills required to thrive and succeed at school, at work and in life, supporting their health and well-being and creating a pathway into one of the most rewarding and fastest developing employment sectors.

“I am looking forward to the challenge and to connecting all these pieces to create a vibrant, exciting and engaging arts entitlement for every child and young person in York… whatever it takes!”