New Co-Chairs at Axis: Embracing Collaboration

We are excited to announce a significant change in the governance of Axis as we transition from the traditional model of one Chair to a more collaborative approach with co-chairs. This new model reflects our values as a charity—inclusivity, collaboration, and shared responsibility—creating a more dynamic and representative structure of stewardship.

Appointing co-chairs ensures that our decision-making processes are enriched by diverse perspectives and shared responsibility. It’s a model that aligns with our mission to make contemporary visual arts more accessible, engaging, and inclusive for all. Fiona Grady and JC Candanedo, both long-standing members of Axis before becoming trustees, have been deeply involved in our community, and their connection to our work makes them ideal for these roles.

Thank You to Our Current Chair and Deputy Chair

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our current Chair, Lisa Stansbie and Deputy Chair, Rupert Wilcox-Baker for their invaluable guidance. Their stewardship has been instrumental in shaping Axis’s work to where it is today. We are pleased to share that they will continue to serve as trustees for the next year to support a smooth transition.

Introducing Fiona Grady and JC Candanedo

Our new co-chairs, Fiona Grady and JC Candanedo, bring with them a strong connection to Axis's cause and a shared vision for the future. Both have played key roles as trustees, supporting our mission and building on our ethos as a caring arts organisation.

"We are delighted to be taking on new roles at Axis. It felt important to work together to combine the breadth of our artistic experiences and perspectives as co-chairs." 

- Fiona Grady and JC Candanedo

Together, Fiona and JC will continue to build on Axis’s legacy of supporting artists with resources, opportunities, and platforms, ensuring our cause remains at the heart of everything we do.

Meet Fiona

Fiona Grady is known for her colourful and dynamic geometric artworks which include architectural interventions that transform their setting. She utilises light, colour, shape, surface and scale to ensure each unique work is transformational and impactful. Her ambient installations metamorphose with the light of day to reflect the passing of time and heritage of the space to create an unconscious equilibrium within its surroundings.

With over 12 years of experience in the arts, Fiona has exhibited widely, including solo shows at the University of Brighton, Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, and The Eye Sees in France. She has been commissioned by organisations such as Canary Wharf Group, ITV, and the NHS, with works held in collections across Europe, North America, and New Zealand.

Meet JC

JC Candanedo is a Queer, Catalan-Panamanian Visual Artist and Photographer based in the UK. His socially engaged practice focuses on Displacement, Identity, and Migration, often using photography, mixed media, and performance to highlight overlooked issues and promote social change.

JC has collaborated on various community-based projects and is passionate about using the visual arts as a tool for positive transformation. He is a Fellow of the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania and a mentor at Kingston University’s School of Art.

Our Journey Forward

We look forward to the exciting journey ahead under the stewardship of JC and FG, and we are confident that together, they will strengthen our commitment to supporting artists, engaging with diverse audiences, and fostering meaningful connections across society.