Alison Bevan consultancy services
Curation, fundraising and leadership expertise, with particular emphasis on wellbeing and embedded community engagement
In conversation with Sir Nicholas Serota at the opening of
Albert Irvin and American Abstract Expressionism, RWA, 2019
Leadership support and mentoring
With over 25 years of experience leading and managing public art galleries, both within local authorities and self-supporting independent charities, I am happy to use and share my experience of delivering organisational culture-change; income generation, and wellbeing improvements.
My achievements include moving the RWA (Royal West of England Academy) in Bristol from an organisation on the brink of collapse to one described by the city's elected Mayor, Marvin Rees, as 'one of Bristol's most culturally significant institutions, and being awarded a British Empire Medal in 2012 for “transforming Penlee House from an unknown venue into a popular and highly regarded community asset” – Rt Hon Maria Miller MP, then Secretary of State, Culture, Media and Sport.
Leading a Hard Hat tour of the RWA's transformational
Light & Inspiration capital project, 2021
Fundraising and capital project support
My most recent full-time role as CEO of the RWA, an independent charity that has never received more than 2% of its funding from the public purse, has given me extensive experience of fundraising from a wide variety of sources for both revenue and capital spend, including a £5M NLHF-supported capital project in 2021-2.
My track-record includes successful grant applications ranging from 4 figures to >£1M; sponsorship; crowdfunding, and philanthropy/major gifts.
Whether you need help identifying, scoping and outlining the strategic steps needed to deliver transformational change; simply want help with writing applications to public funders or Trusts and Foundations, or require some imaginative flair to help shape your fundraising activities, please get in touch.
Performing the official opening of 'Another Cornwall /
Gens de Cornouailles', Musee Departmental Breton, 2011
Curation, exhibition organisation and writing
As an art historian, curating and writing are my first love, and I've notched up 35+ years of exhibition organisation and curation, from my early career at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea (1989-1999) to my more recent experience of putting historic art in a contemporary context at the RWA.
My work has included working with independent curators, ranging from film-maker Peter Greenaway to early career artists, and I have extensive experience of borrowing from national and regional collections, including initiating international touring exhibitions.
14 years as Director of Penlee House has led to a particular specialism in the Newlyn School, but my passion is for any exhibition that engages, has relevance and brings joy to the broadest possible audience.
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