A highly skilled board of experienced, engaged members
Quay Arts is governed by a Board of Trustees who act as Directors of both the charity, Steve Ross Foundation for the Arts (SRFA), and the trading arm, Quay Arts Trading Company (QATC).
LILY BLACKSELL – SRFA
Lily Blacksell is a writer who works in the arts. She is currently based at Southbank Centre where she began working in fundraising and is now part of the artistic programming team. She has previously held roles in publishing and bookselling. Whilst living in New York, Lily worked in the membership team for the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Lily has taught creative writing to all ages and abilities, for organisations such as the Poetry School and Columbia University. Her first book of poems was published in 2018. She has been visiting Quay Arts since she was little and has many fond memories from the galleries, the theatre, and the cafe! Lily is based in London and her family lives in Shalfleet.
ANDREW DUTTON – QATC / SRFA
Chair of Trustees
Andy Dutton has been a Trustee at Quay Arts since September 2020. He is a qualified accountant and provides financial support to the Board. He has worked in finance for GKN, where he was the Chief Financial Officer of the Engine Products Division, and for Procter and Gamble in the UK and in the Czech republic. He studied archaeology at Durham University and after graduation worked at the British School of Archaeology in Jerusalem. Andy says ‘I feel privileged to have been able to live and bring up a family on the Island. I have always appreciated Quay arts for the fantastic artistic and cultural contribution it has brought to our community and am glad to be able to give something back to the foundation.’
KIM PURTON – SRFA
With a background in management, art & design, Kim is passionate about all things creative. Having lived on the Island for over 30 years and a keen visitor to the Quay since a child, Kim is committed to supporting the centre in any way she can, especially in helping to provide a platform for the amazing creativity that flourishes here on our special Island.
Currently Kim runs a design manufacturing company Cut Laser Cut with studios in London and the Isle of Wight, where she works with Artists and Designers to help realise their ideas.
VICKY SPENCER – QATC / SRFA
Vicky has been a trustee since 2015. She became involved with Quay Arts following volunteering at Kashmir Café at Isle of Wight Festival, since then she has become the event manager and along with many other volunteers has raised over £150,000 for the Quay.
Vicky also sits on the board for The Mike Howley Trust, a trust fund that has helped numerous individuals aged between 18-30 in the arts and musical sector.
Vicky works full time as a Flood and Coastal Risk Management Officer for the Environment Agency, and can often be found in the rivers across the island. Before this she was involved in the family business for over 15 years.
Vicky has served as a Parish Councillor and a governor for over 9 years.
ROB THOMPSON – SRFA
My name is Rob Thompson and I’m currently a theatre maker and performer.
Previous iterations have included, independent record label founder, teacher, drummer, carer, and being a governor of schools and arts organisations.
My background in Drama has served me well in all of my work, as too, my love of music and an appreciation of art. Culture matters. The Quay holds a special place in my heart as this is where my wife and I held our wedding reception in 1989.
I took up running in my late 50s thanks to Parkrun and I’m now hooked on long distance events. It’s aways good to try new things and be brave.
CHRISTOPER WARLEIGH-LACK (RSIA) – SRFA
Christopher joined Quay Arts as a Trustee in the Autumn of 2024, having been a Trustee for both the William Morris Society and Pathways Through Dementia. Professionally, Christopher is the English Heritage Curator for Osborne and Isle of Wight. His expertise lies within the histories of art, architecture and society of the 18th and 19th centuries and he has a career sharing those stories and objects with wider communities through interpretation, education and exhibition programming. He worked for many years with Historic Royal Palaces and was the curatorial lead on the re-presentation and opening project of Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland’s royal residence, and as the inaugural National Trust Treasure House curator for Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland. Christopher is a member of the Medina Community Choir, and sails, cycles and practices yoga regularly.
