Bonnier Books UK chief executive Mann appointed Arts Emergency chair

Arts Emergency has appointed Perminder Mann, c.e.o. of Bonnier Books UK, as chair of the board of trustees ahead of the social justice charity’s 10-year anniversary.

Neil Griffiths, c.e.o. and co-founder of Arts Emergency, a British charity working with 16 to 19-year-olds in further education from diverse backgrounds, said of Mann’s appointment: “We are so excited to welcome Perminder to the board at Arts Emergency.

“For 10 years we’ve been at the leading edge of support and empowerment for new voices in UK culture, and as a proven and transformative leader, Perminder will add so much experience and passion to our work. She is joining us at a time when young people need real opportunities and powerful voices more than ever, and I’m proud to be working with her.”

The charity says it will mark its 10-year anniversary by working with its youth collective, partners, and network of more than 8,000 volunteers and supporters to help curious and creative young people flourish through education, training and into meaningful and sustainable careers in their dream sectors, on a national scale.

Mann said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed chair of the board of trustees for Arts Emergency. With the Covid-19 pandemic and deepening cost-of-living crisis widening inequality, the work they do is more urgent than ever.

“From a low-income background, I didn’t have a network or social capital of my own to help me navigate my way through the publishing industry. Now — as a mentor and mentee — I realise how life-changing those connections can be and I’m committed to using my influence and privilege to help young people from all backgrounds break into the creative sector. I cannot wait to get to work with Neil, the trustees and their fantastic team.”