Lloyds Bank’s regional head of commercial banking head Clive Hetherington has been appointed to the board of trustees at Bristol’s Royal West of England Academy (RWA), one of the most well-respected arts venues in the region.
Mr Hetherington, pictured, who has headed the bank’s operation supporting South West mid-market businesses and large corporates more than 11 years, brings extensive corporate experience to the Academy.
Working in close partnership with an established board of trustees, he will assist in broadening the organisation’s public appeal in its centennial celebration year of royal patronage – the Queen is its current patron – and also assist in its annual fundraising programme.
The RWA is an established venue for the fine arts and embraces an artistic awareness of the widest nature with an exhibition programme providing a showcase for both solo and mixed exhibitions.
Lloyds Bank has a strong heritage of working alongside creative industries and recognises the arts as an important sector to the economy as a whole. On a national level, the bank lends its support and expertise to numerous leading arts and community support institutions, including Business in the Community.
Mr Hetherington said: “The RWA is one of Bristol’s best-kept secrets considering the hugely diverse calendar of art exhibitions, events and educational programmes that it hosts throughout the year. I really hope to be able to use my knowledge and connections to bring the RWA to a wider audience. I was delighted to lend my support at the recent reception held at the House of Lords at which we were able to engage with potential high profile supporters from across the UK.
“In my role as a trustee, I will be actively championing the RWA’s profile across the South West with the specific intention of establishing a firmer connection between the region’s business community and this iconic organisation.”
RWA board chairman Professor Dr Kit Thompson OBE added: “I am delighted to welcome Clive to our board of trustees and indeed, the wider RWA team. His wealth of professional contacts and significant profile will be a great asset to our organisation, as we strive to maximise the impact of our year-round programme of charitable initiatives and public-facing events.”
