Director, CVAN London
Dr Jo Townshend is Chair and Director of the London Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN London): a research-led, advocacy and sector support organisation for galleries, studios, curators, arts workers and artists. Its membership of London organisations and artists shape the network’s programme and policy priorities, which include the Creative Learning Hub, Climate Adaptation, Affordable Artists’ Studios, AREVA (anti-racist and equitable visual arts) and Data Matters.
Jo was previously Principal Partnerships Manager (Creative Industries) at UCL and Founding Principal of Rye Studio for the Creative Industries. She is an independent researcher and consultant: her practice research operates at the intersection of the arts and education, with a focus on feminist New Materialism and arts-based methodologies. She serves on the Diversity in the Public Realm Partners Board in the Creative and Culture Industries Office at the GLA, is a Trustee of AutoItalia Southeast, and a Fellow of the RSA. Jo is a graduate of Canterbury Christ Church University, Winchester School of Art, and the Royal Academy Schools.
