Carol Bell is one of 50 Women to Watch

Mar 11 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE head of culture at NewcastleGateshead Initiative has been recognised as one of the most talented women in the UK cultural and creative industries.

Carol Bell joins writers, theatre directors and museum chiefs in the Cultural Leadership Programme’s national list of 50 Women to Watch.

The head of culture and major events at NGI was singled out for her creativity, flair, exceptional leadership and organisational skills, while leading the delivery of a £6m annual festival and events programme.

She was picked from nearly 200 nominations by a judging panel – chaired by Jenni Murray OBE, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

Carol said: “To be listed among so many of the UK’s female cultural leaders is a huge honour and I’m thrilled. I hope this celebration encourages other women to move into leadership positions within organisations they work in.

“The cultural sector offers tremendous career opportunities, as well as a chance to make a difference within society. NewcastleGateshead has always held lots of potential and it brings pleasure to be part of the wider team that helps it achieve this.”

The achievements of the 50 women will be celebrated at a reception on March 10, at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in London.

The list includes Moira Buffini, the National Theatre’s writer-in-residence; Seonaid Daly, producer of the Glasgow Film Festival and the Phoenix Dance Theatre’s artistic director Sharon Watson. The network of 50 women was established to address the lack of women in positions of senior leadership by inspiring more women to aim for the top.

Jenni Murray, said: “I speak for the whole judging panel when I say that arriving at a final list from such a high quality and quantity of nominations was both a delight and a challenge.

While we are obviously celebrating the achievements of outstanding individuals, it is also important to see these women as a collective force and as representative of women’s potential to reach the top of their game within this, and any other, sector. Congratulations and watch this space!”