New board members announced at Grand Union Gallery and Studio

Grand Union is delighted to announce that Rob Valentine (Director, Bruntwood Birmingham) and Merle Wray (Partner, Fieldfisher, Birmingham) are to join Grand Union’s Board of Trustees this Spring.

Grand Union Gallery and Studios is at a pivotal point in its development as one of Birmingham’s leading contemporary arts venues. Currently based at Minerva Works, a hub of cultural venues in Digbeth, Birmingham, Grand Union houses studios for 22 artists, Modern Clay, an artist-run Ceramics Studio and a Gallery space that hosts numerous exhibitions and events by internationally renowned contemporary visual artists.

Grand Union is currently working with Homes England on a fundraising campaign to develop Junction Works, a historic Grade II listed building also in Digbeth. The development project aims to transform the beautiful but currently derelict site into a new and fully accessible contemporary art gallery, events space and artists studios.

Dorothy Wilson, Chair of Grand Union’s board, comments, “At this exciting time for the organisation and following a nationwide search for new board members, we are delighted to welcome new colleagues - each pre-eminent in their respective fields - bringing their skills and enthusiasm to Grand Union. My colleague board members and I warmly welcome Merle and Rob to the organisation and look forward to working closely as a board as we continue to set out our ambitions and aspirations for Grand Union’s future”

Cheryl Jones, Grand Union’s Director said, “We are delighted to have Merle and Rob joining Grand Union’s Board of Trustees. Their expertise and experience in other sectors will be invaluable to us during this phase of our development. Both understand the importance of culture to a thriving city, demonstrated by their commitment to spending time supporting our organisation.”

Merle Wray said, “I am really looking forward to joining the board at this exciting time in Grand Union’s evolution”

Rob Valentine said, “I am delighted to be joining the Grand Union Board of Trustees. Birmingham is one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities, and its thriving arts and culture scene is a key component of this.
“As Director of Bruntwood in Birmingham, I am dedicated to supporting the growth and development of this great city's talent. Grand Union, and our partnership with them, provides fantastic opportunities for our people to use their talents to flourish, inspire and really make a difference."

Grand Union and Bruntwood are working in partnership to offer annual artists residencies at Bruntwood’s Cornwall Buildings in Birmingham City Centre. Current artists in residence are Suzi Osborn and Joyce Treasure.

You can visit Grand Union’s Gallery Wednesday to Saturday, 12–5pm. Check their website here, for current exhibitions and upcoming events.