LONDON.- The Barbican Centre’s Managing Director Sir Nicholas Kenyon has been appointed to Arts Council England’s National Council. The appointment was made by Margaret Hodge, Minister for Culture and Tourism, in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. His term runs until November 2013.

Members of the National Council are appointed because of their special interest in, or experience of, the arts, as practicing artists or arts administrators; as senior academics; or as public or private sector executives. Council members are responsible for ensuring the achievement of Arts Council England's objectives, which are to develop and improve the knowledge, understanding and practice of the arts, and to increase the accessibility of the arts to the public. They meet six times a year.

Sir Nicholas Kenyon said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to join the national Council, and look forward to contributing to the Arts Council’s vital role in our thriving cultural life.”