A leading expert on the cultural and the creative industries has been appointed to drive the development of Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil as a major visitor attraction.
Jess Mahoney, who grew up in Merthyr Tydfil, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Cyfarthfa Foundation, a charitable organisation aiming to transform Cyfarthfa Castle and Park in the town.
Jess is currently Head of Creative Cardiff, based at Cardiff University’s Centre for the Creative Economy. Previously, she held a senior policy role at the Greater London Authority, delivering the Mayor of London’s flagship Creative Enterprise Zones programme. Before that she was Business Partnership Manager at The British Library.
She will take up her position next January, just as Cyfarthfa begins the celebration of its bicentenary.
Geraint Talfan Davies, Chair of the Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Jess Mahoney is going to lead this exciting project in her own hometown. She brings a broad range of experience to the task, including pioneering work in developing the creative industries – work that has also involved partnering with local authorities across the Cardiff Capital Region. This experience will be an enormous asset in moving this transformative project forward.”
“Jess also brings to the table a deep understanding of the place of culture and the creative industries within the economy and society, as well as a commitment to the role of community engagement,” he said.
Jess Mahoney said: “Like anyone who grew up in Merthyr, Cyfarthfa Castle and Park holds an enduring place in my heart. As such, it is an honour and privilege to be appointed Chief Executive of the Cyfarthfa Foundation, leading the realisation of a significant and ambitious vision for the site.
“I look forward to working closely with the Foundation team, the Board, Merthyr Tydfil Council and the wider community to build on the great progress already delivered and to write an exciting new chapter in Cyfarthfa’s story, together.”
Jess Mahoney grew up in Merthyr Tydfil and was a pupil at Pen-y-Dre High School, before attending the University of Nottingham and later the University of South Wales. She has also held learning and engagement roles at National Dance Company Wales in Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre and the Central School of Ballet in London.
The appointment follows the publication of a masterplan for the Cyfarthfa area prepared by internationally renowned architects, Ian Ritchie Architects, and leading landscape planners, Gustafson, Porter and Bowman. This plan was funded by Merthyr Tydfil Council. The Foundation has also received a £1.2m grant from the Welsh Government to begin the planning process, as well as funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
The 20-year masterplan for Cyfarthfa envisages an international quality museum and art gallery set in an expanded 100-hectare public park that would have the capacity to build a five-fold increase in visitor numbers. The plan placed social renewal and community engagement at its heart.
#J-18808-Ljbffr