Culture24's Jane Finnis is a Woman to Watch
Culture24 founder and director Jane Finnis has been named as one of 50 "Women to Watch" in the inaugural list of female movers and shakers across the UK.
Compiled by industry flagship The Cultural Leadership Programme, the list of women offering "a huge contribution" to national cultural life and "the potential to rise to the very top" also features a diverse array of creative minds throughout the sector.
Museums and galleries were afforded plenty of attention by a prestigious panel including actor Kwame Kwei-Armah and dance overlord Wayne McGregor, chaired by Woman's Hour presenter Jenni Murray.
The Southbank Centre's Cathy Woolley and Rachel Holmes, National Portrait Gallery director Pim Baxter, FACT programme deviser Laura Sillers and Melanie Abrahams, who will curate a five-day literature festival at Liverpool's Bluecoat later this year, were also among those recognised.
"The final 50 women were chosen after a great deal of consideration by the judging panel and represent some of our most ambitious and talented cultural leaders," said Murray, praising a "high quality" list of nominees which had made the decision process "a delight and a challenge."
"While we are obviously celebrating the achievements of outstanding individuals, it is also important to see these women as a collective force and as representative of women's potential to reach the top of their game.
"There are nowhere near enough women in positions of power and influence, whether it be in the cultural and creative industries or other sectors. We need to do everything we can to enable and encourage the next generation."
An evening reception tonight (March 10) will initiate the winners into the Women to Watch network, aimed at inspiring career development for women.
Check out Women to Watch online for all the details.
