Executive Director (Programmes and Impact), New Writing North
Anna Disley works as Executive Director, Programme and Impact for New Writing North the literature development agency for the north of England. As part of the Executive team which identifies the organisation’s strategy, Anna is responsible for identifying and developing programmes of work, delivery partnerships, and funding models which engage people in NWN work, including those from under-represented communities. She oversees the programme at NWN which includes talent development programmes, events and festivals, skills and engagement, creative health and extensive community engagement programmes. Anna, joined as Education Director in 2002 when NWN was still a 2-person organisation, to develop the young people and community programmes which she still leads, she has been part of the leadership team at New Writing North since 2003. Besides working closely with writers and artists to realise their ambitions, Anna is interested the role of arts and culture in supporting connected communities, platforming under-heard voices and in promoting wellbeing and literacy. She is Chair of Glow, Newcastle a brand new Charity which has grown out of Newcastle’s Cultural Education Partnership – and which aims to provide every young person in the city with a rich and accessible cultural offer. She is a Trustee of climate hope organisation Threads in the Ground and is on the board of Directors and Advisory Group for digital start up The Living Archive.