In June 2026, New Brewery Arts appointed Jonathan Rixon, Director of Rixon Architects, as the new Chair of Trustees — a move that marks a decisive moment of renewal for the organisation as it steps into a new phase of energy and focus. Rixon’s appointment signals a fresh wave of leadership at a time when New Brewery Arts is strengthening its foundations and looking ahead with optimism.
Jonathan brings both professional expertise and a deep personal connection to making: “I’ve long been drawn to New Brewery Arts’ spirit — the celebration of skilled professionals who bring ideas to life. In an increasingly digital world, the value of making feels more important than ever. It’s about choosing the crafted over the mass produced, valuing usefulness and longevity. I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of this remarkable creative space.”
CEO Beth Alden welcomes the new Chair’s arrival as a moment of renewed momentum: “Jonathan understands the heart of what we do. His passion for craftsmanship and his commitment to protecting creative skills will be invaluable as we refocus on the past, present and future of making. His appointment comes at exactly the right time — bringing fresh energy and clarity to our direction.”
The appointment follows a challenging period in 2025–26, when rising costs and diminishing arts funding prompted New Brewery Arts to issue a stark message to its community: “USE US OR LOSE US.” The public response was powerful. Since then, the organisation has secured a £90,000 three‑year grant from the Rausing Trust, alongside continued support from Cotswold District Council — creating the conditions for a revitalised, forward‑looking strategy.
Alden continues: “We welcome Jonathan at a moment of renewed vitality. The Board is now focused on strengthening long‑term financial stability, widening access to creative opportunities — including through initiatives such as New Brewery Hearts — and preparing for our 50th anniversary celebrations in 2028–29. Our mission remains clear: We champion craft — making it, learning it, engaging with it. Creativity should be part of everyday life and open to everyone.”
New Brewery Arts delivers a full programme of courses, workshops, exhibitions and a thriving shop showcasing high‑quality work by UK professional makers, alongside studios for long‑established craftspeople.
Despite recent progress, Alden emphasises that the work is far from over: “Access to creativity cannot be optional. It must be protected. It must be expanded. Our community helped us through the toughest year in our history — and with Jonathan’s leadership, we will continue standing up for craft. But we must ask for continued support from the wider community.”
About New Brewery Arts New Brewery Arts is Cirencester’s creative heart — a vibrant cultural charity housed in the historic buildings of the former Cirencester Brewery. After the brewery’s closure in 1937, the site fell into disuse and was nearly lost to demolition. Thanks to a visionary local group, two of the remaining buildings were restored and transformed into craft workshops, opening as Cirencester Workshops in 1978.Its mission is to champion craft — making it, learning it, and supporting the people who do it. Its courses, workshops, makers’ studios, 100% UK-made craft shop, and café all contribute to a vibrant creative hub at the heart of Cirencester.
https://www.newbreweryarts.org.uk
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