Louisa Davies announced as Chief Executive Officer for Severn Arts

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Louisa Davies as the new Chief Executive Officer for Severn Arts. Louisa will join the organisation on 10 August 2026. 

Louisa is an experienced arts professional with over 25 years in the sector. She is currently Head of Culture and Leisure Services at Gloucester City Council, where she leads a major in-house cultural service which includes Gloucester Guildhall and the Museum of Gloucester. 

Her previous roles include Senior Producer of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, as well as Senior producer and Programming positions at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and Midlands Arts Centre. 

Alongside her professional career, Louisa is an active folk musician, Treasurer of her choir, and a trustee for Sound Roots and The Bone Ensemble. 

Speaking about her appointment, Louisa Davies said: 

“I am delighted and excited to be taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer of Severn Arts. I have followed the organisation closely since its inception in 2018, and I deeply admire its belief in the transformative power of creative participation for people and places. 

As a child, I benefited from access to collective music-making through my local music service, so leading the region’s Music Hub feels like a meaningful return to my roots. I am very much looking forward to working with the staff and trustees, and to connecting with partners, participants and audiences across the region.” 

Charlie Shiels, Chair of Trustees, said: 

“The Board and I are delighted to welcome Louisa to Severn Arts. She brings extensive experience across the arts sector to our skilled, established and motivated team. 

We share Louisa’s passion for music, the arts and education in Worcestershire, and we are confident that, with the support of the Severn Arts team, she will help us continue to deliver and grow our ambitious, creative and artistic plans.” 

We warmly welcome Louisa Davies to Severn Arts and look forward to working with her as she leads the organisation into its next chapter.