Festival of Making CIC, the non-profit arts organisation behind the National Festival of Making, announces the appointment of Rosy Greenlees OBE as our new Chair. Formerly Executive Director of the Crafts Council (2006–2022), Rosy brings a distinguished track record in leading organisations championing craft, making and pioneering some of the UK’s leading cultural strategy development programmes.

At the same time, the organisation welcomes Rachel Cunningham Clark to our board. Originally from Blackburn, Rachel is Creative Producer at Frieze, with extensive experience in creative production, curation, partnerships, strategy, and arts events.

The recruitment of both Rosy and Rachel marks a pivotal moment for the National Festival of Making as we look to the next chapter of growth, innovation, and deeper engagement with makers, makers’ communities, artists, audiences, and partners. 

Rosy’s leadership and vision will be central in shaping this trajectory. Her deep understanding of the craft sector, arts infrastructure, and cultural policy is uniquely aligned with the Festival’s mission of elevating making as not only a vital cultural practice but part of the everyday.

Rachel’s appointment strengthens the board’s capacity in creative production, programming, and strategic collaboration with leading arts institutions. Her insights and network within the international arts sphere will help expand the Festival’s reach and deepen our impact.

Rosy and Rachel join existing board members Claire Mander, founder and director of theCOLAB; Dr. Carly Henderson, Head of Creative Communities at The Dukes Lancaster; Jamie Holman, Artist; Salma Chaudhry, Economic Development Lead, Hyndburn Borough Council; Zainab Rawat, Workforce Development Manager, NHS, and Wayne Hemingway MBE, festival co-founder and founder of design practice HemingwayDesign and fashion label Red or Dead.

Outgoing Chair and practising studio artist Jamie Holman will continue to remain a non-executive board member and to be a champion and supporter of the Festival under the new Chairship. Under Jamie’s stewardship, Festival of Making CIC achieved key milestones, including securing Arts Council England National Portfolio status, nurturing collaborations and solidifying organisational foundations.

Rosy Greenlees OBE, incoming Chair, said, “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at Festival of Making CIC. This organisation sits at the heart of a movement I deeply believe in, where craft, making, material knowledge, and communities intersect. I look forward to working with the board, staff, makers, partners, and audiences to realise bold ambitions: deepening our reach, amplifying maker voices, and ensuring that making remains a vital and visible part of cultural life.”

Rachel Cunningham Clark, new Board Member, said, “It is a privilege to join the board at such an exciting time. I have long admired the work of Festival of Making CIC and its impact in bringing together makers, audiences, and place in dynamic ways. I look forward to contributing my experience across production, programming and partnerships to help grow the Festival’s ambitions and realise new forms of engagement on a national scale.”

Lauren Zawadzki, Director of Festival of Making CIC, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Rosy and Rachel at this moment in our organisation’s journey. Rosy’s leadership in the craft and cultural sectors brings both gravitas and insight, and we have long admired her work, and Rachel’s creative and producer experience will help us develop new directions with both artists and audiences. Equally, we are beyond grateful to Jamie Holman for his extraordinary dedication and advocacy through the years as we reach this point. As we transition to working with a new Chair, we’re more confident than ever in our capacity to serve artists, makers, communities, and audiences.”