Axis welcomes Catherine Hemelryk and Mick Watson as new trustees

Axis is pleased to welcome Catherine Hemelryk and Mick Watson to our Board of Trustees.

They join Axis at an important moment. We are growing with purpose, strengthening our support for artists, and becoming clearer about the role we play as an independent charity within contemporary visual art.

Catherine and Mick bring wide-ranging experience across contemporary art, creative leadership, digital strategy, artist development, governance and organisational growth. They also bring a shared commitment to artists, and to the conditions artists need to keep making work.

About Catherine Hemelryk

Catherine Hemelryk is Director of CCA Derry~Londonderry, a curator and arts leader based in Northern Ireland. She has worked across the arts for over 20 years, with experience spanning the UK and Republic of Ireland, Europe, local government, national networks, programming, artist development and organisational strategy.

Catherine said:

“Axis is an organisation that I trust. I know artists who have had positive experiences with Axis, which is heartening! I’m drawn to its artist-led and artist-centred approach, and its dedication to supporting and nurturing artists.

Whilst Axis does not use Arts Council funding, it ardently not-for-profit and still holds the ambitions to reach beyond boundaries and platform a wider range of practices and support diversity. I am excited to be contributing to its future!"

About Mick Watson

Mick Watson is Global Head of Creative & Content at MPB, an international e-commerce business operating across the UK, US and EU. He leads a multidisciplinary team and brings experience in global brand, content strategy, digital platforms, audience growth, performance and creative leadership.

Alongside this, Mick maintains an independent artistic practice working across photography and installation.

Mick said:

“I have worked in and around the arts for most of my life, both as a creative leader and as a practising visual artist. That dual perspective is what draws me to Axis. I understand how difficult it can be to sustain a practice, build visibility and access meaningful support. Axis appears to be addressing those challenges directly, rather than just celebrating the outcomes of artistic work.

Earlier in my own practice, an independent platform like Axis would have made a difference.“

Mark Smith, Executive Director of Axis, said:

“I’m really pleased to welcome Catherine and Mick to Axis. What stood out throughout the process was that they both understood, and were excited by, what makes Axis different.

Axis puts artists first. We work independently, outside the usual structures of public funding and commercial platforms. That is not common, and it gives us the freedom to act in the long-term interest of artists.

Catherine and Mick both recognised the value of that approach. They connect with the care, ambition and responsibility behind it, and why Axis has an important role to play now.”