Biography
Simon Dancey has been working in the practice and policy formation of art, culture and creativity since the 1990s. His portfolio runs from art creation to policy development; from artistic direction to event management and skills training.
Dancey is currently the British Council Global Director for Cultural Skills, a worldwide initiative working across arts, education, culture and development. The initiative researches into the cultural sector globally and develops educational and social programmes and engages policy, especially with marginalised groups and youth. Previously, Dancey was the British Council Director for Wales and the Senior International and Nations Policy Director for Creative & Cultural Skills where he oversaw the company’s international development while introducing Creative Apprenticeships in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
As a community arts director and activist, he has worked internationally on policy and project developments in Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Australia, Latvia, Germany, Canada, and in the Middle East. This work also focused on youth and marginalised groups, often in conflict areas and sensitive cultural contexts. Partners included NGOs, governments, cultural organisations and international agencies such as UNESCO and the EU. As a former trustee of the Arts Council of Wales, he has worked as a cultural policy advisor to many national culture ministries. In the UK, Dancey pioneered the New Deal for Musicians training scheme and developed the first community record label and touring circuit: Complete Control Music.
As a practitioner, he has experience as a professional musician, producer, tour manager and sound engineer. He has directed major events with the BBC, including Compass Point, the International Urban Arts Festival and the Welsh Music Awards.
He recently completed his PhD in international cultural policy at the University of South Wales, which explored the role of culture for social transformation in Latin America.
