Trustee reflections: Lisa, Rupert, and Sue

As we begin the new year, we want to thank three trustees who have recently stepped down after many years of service to Axis: Lisa Stansbie, Rupert Wilcox-Baker, and Sue Williams.

Their time on the board spanned a period of real change. Together, we moved from being funder-led to becoming a sustainable and independent organisation that puts artists first. During this time, we began to use our own resources to support artists directly, and this is now a core part of our work. We also took time to reflect on what it means to be a charity and an arts organisation, placing greater emphasis on wellbeing, care, and the people behind our programmes.

Throughout this journey, Lisa, Rupert, and Sue brought empathy, thoughtful challenge, and belief in the work, and helped guide meaningful change.

Professor Lisa Stansbie

“Axis has expanded its reach and depth greatly since its inception and is now a primary hub for artists. It supports artistic practice, enhances visibility beyond traditional commercial spaces, and creates opportunities. In recent years, it has also played an important role in supporting artists’ wellbeing. 

The most significant change I have seen since becoming a trustee in 2013 is the way artists are now placed at the centre of everything Axis does. Artists’ voices actively shape how the organisation evolves, ensuring it continues to respond to the changing needs, challenges, and realities of its members.”

Rupert Wilcox-Baker

“It has been a privilege to work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the team at Axis to move the organisation from being largely grant funded to a position of long term financial sustainability and independence. 

The team at Axis have reinvented the organisation to be far more focused on supporting artists in ways that have a direct and positive impact on their development. One example was the Hardship Fund during the pandemic, which was set up quickly and with minimal bureaucracy to meet an urgent need. 

Axis continues to matter because it champions artists and seeks to support them in practical ways.”

Professor Sue Williams

“I joined Axis at a time of great change and had the pleasure of witnessing its growth into something contemporary and innovative. I am particularly proud of the support offered to fine art graduates through talks, online discussions, and exhibitions in the year after completing their course, the fourth year, which helped provide confidence, continuity, and a platform to develop practice. 

The provision of studios in various cities has also been essential to building thriving creative communities. Having seen this in Cardiff, I can say it generated an exciting and productive art scene. All of this adds weight and power to the future of the arts, in a world that wants to censor and negate creative voices.”

Axis continues to thrive because people choose to give their time, experience, and energy to it. The next chapter will bring new voices and new challenges, built on the foundations Lisa, Rupert, and Sue helped put in place. We are deeply grateful for what they have given.