10 ACE appoints Paul Griffiths as CEO The Association for Cultural Enterprises is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Griffiths as its new Chief Executive. Paul brings almost 30 years’ leadership experience across the heritage, museums, and cultural attractions sector, with a strong record of transformation, income diversification, and enterprise growth. Most recently he was CEO in the UAE, overseeing the flagship historic site of Al Jazeera Al Hamra and developing innovative enterprise programmes with international partners. Prior to that, Paul was director of Painshill Park Trust, where he led the charity through a period of financial turnaround, audience growth, and strategic investment. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles with English Heritage, managing a 12-site London portfolio including Kenwood House and Eltham Palace, and with the Mary Rose Trust for six years, managing the opening and then running of the new awardwinning museum. Paul said: “I feel honoured to be taking up the role of Chief Executive at ACE at such a pivotal time for the sector. Having worked across the heritage and cultural sector for many years, I know how important the Association is as a source of support, innovation, and advocacy.” National Trust for Scotland launches licensing program The National Trust for Scotland, Scotland’s largest independent conservation charity, has launched its first official brand licensing program. The charity that cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland’s heritage will, through this initiative, aim to extend the reach of the Trust’s iconic brand; allow audiences across the globe to enjoy a slice of Scotland and the Trust wherever they are; and generate additional funding to support its vital conservation work across Scotland. As a brand and charity looking towards its centenary, the 94-year-old Trust stands for Scottish authenticity, heritage, and quality, and is working alongside partners to develop products that reflect Scotland’s unique stories, people, and places. This includes allowing access to a rich archive of thousands of assets – from historic illustrations, architectural details, and textiles to traditional patterns, botanical drawings, and decorative arts – spanning centuries of Scottish culture and craftsmanship. From architects to poets, beautiful film locations to pink castles – the Trust’s diversity of places offer something for everyone. “We’re excited to launch our first licensing program at National Trust for Scotland,” said Caroline Reid, Director of Commercial Enterprises, National Trust for Scotland. “This is an important moment for the Trust - our licensing program allows us to collaborate with partners who share our values, while unlocking the creative and commercial potential of our collections and places. Every licensed product will help protect Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for generations.” Funds raised through licensing will go directly toward the care and conservation of more than 100 historic properties, over 76,000 hectares of countryside, and thousands of artefacts in the charity’s collection. Working alongside Speak Consulting, the Trust will curate a portfolio of licensees across categories such as homeware, gifting, apparel, stationery and food and drink. The program will be underpinned by a strong focus on sustainability, provenance, and storytelling. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the National Trust for Scotland,” said Graham Speak, Director, Speak Consulting. “An opportunity to create authentic, Scottish ranges alongside the Trust, with its brand, expertise and diverse assets. There’s a wealth of design inspiration and licensing potential – and we’re excited to do new things with a Scottish twist!” Expressions of interest are open to prospective partners in the UK and beyond, with initial partners to be announced over the coming months. Visit: www.nts.org.uk/licensing ACE awards £10,000 Seeds of Change Prize Fund to The Art House The Association for Cultural Enterprises is delighted to announce the winner of its annual Seeds of Change £10,000 prize fund supporting and encouraging sustainable initiatives within the cultural sector. The 2025 prize fund has been awarded to The Art House, Wakefield for its creative initiative, From Earth to Cloth. This truly sustainable project works with the local gardening community, creatives and The Art House’s own urban orchard space to create a unique range of naturally dyed, handcrafted homeware items for retail and wholesale. The judges loved the project, calling it “an innovative example of vertical integration across the supply chain. It adds value, improves sustainability and enhances their core mission.” The award was presented at an exclusive event held at the Design Museum, London. Lucy Juniper, Co-Executive Director, The Art House, said, “We are so delighted to receive the Seeds of Change Award from the Association for Cultural Enterprises. It will mean so much to our team at The Art House and we’re all super excited to get started with the project.” The Seeds of Change prize fund is designed to foster greater creativity and dynamism within income generation and environmental sustainability across the cultural sector, inspiring arts, heritage and cultural organisations to think about creative ways of generating income while improving their sustainable impact.
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