A warm welcome to Tim - introducing our new Executive Director

We’re delighted to welcome Tim Wheeler as our new Executive Director. 

Tim joins us at a pivotal moment for Accessible Arts & Media, as we reflect and review our operating model following the retirement of our inspirational co-founder Rose Kent in 2025. Over the next 18 months he’ll work with our team, trustees, participants and wider stakeholders to steer Accessible Arts & Media through a critical transformation phase. 

Tim has spent more than 35 years working across disability arts, culture, community engagement and organisational development. 

He co-founded Mind the Gap, one of Europe’s leading learning disability theatre companies, and later led the Arts Council England partnership programme All In, helping cultural organisations build access and involvement into their everyday practice. 

Tim says: “I’m thrilled to be joining Accessible Arts & Media and excited to be supporting the organisation over the next 18 months as it strengthens its structure, operating model and future direction. AAM has a committed team, a strong track record and deep roots in York, and I feel privileged to be part of its next chapter. 

I look forward to learning alongside colleagues, supporting the organisation’s continued development, and contributing to the wider creative and community life of York and North Yorkshire. At a time of change, there is a real opportunity to build on the organisation’s remarkable legacy while creating the foundations for a sustainable and ambitious future.” 

Lucy Galliard, Chair of Trustees for Accessible Arts & Media, adds: “We’re delighted  to welcome Tim to Accessible Arts & Media, and deeply value the knowledge, experience and expertise he brings to the role of Executive Director. Tim’s been instrumental in the development of inclusive practice in the cultural sector. We’re looking forward to working with him over the next 18 months to steer Accessible Arts & Media’s development, keep us at the fore of inclusive practice in York and create a bright, sustainable future for the organisation and our brilliant participants.” 

We hope you’ll all join us in wishing Tim a very warm welcome!