The Drum appoints new trustees

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

Following an extensive recruitment drive, Prof. Upkar Pardesi, Chair of The Drum arts centre, Aston and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Birmingham City University announced yesterday the appointment of three new trustees – Satnam Kaur Bhachu a qualified account formerly with Price Waterhouse Coopers; Richard Moulton also a qualified accountant who works for Resources Global Professional and Kuldip Singh Lall an associate solicitor with local firm Shakespeare Putsnam LLP.

“My aim is to grow and strengthen the board and with this in mind, I’m delighted to welcome Satnam, Richard and Kuldip to the organisation. They bring with them a wealth of skills and knowledge that will help The Drum realise its ambitions for 2009” said Prof. Pardesi

The Drum’s main focus this year is to consolidate its position as a leading provider of African, Asian and Caribbean arts and to increase audiences from across the West Midlands. This year also marks the 10th Anniversary of The Drum and preparations are currently under way to celebrate this major achievement and to put The Drum on the national map. “Throughout 2009 we’re planning to respond to local demand and increase our profile amongst the diverse communities of Aston by developing a programme of workshops for young people from the local area” added Prof. Pardesi.

Two of the new appointees have strong links with the local area as they lived and were educated in Aston. Richard is a former pupil of King Edward VI and Kuldip attended Great Barr School. All three of the trustees are keen to support the centre’s plans to provide creative opportunities for artists and young people from the local area as well as contributing to the development of Black arts on a national and international scale.

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For more information please contact Jennie Gentles, Director of Communications on 0121 333 2420 or email j.gentles@the-drum.org.uk

Notes to EditorsThe Drum is the national centre for Black British culture and arts, dedicated to developing and promoting contemporary art and culture of British African, Asian and Caribbean communities. Through its various initiatives, The Drum, continually strives to become a centre of national and international renown; firmly rooted within its local community.

The Drum’s ambition is to lead and facilitate the development, celebration, performance and exhibition of the diversity of Black arts and cultures for the benefit of all. It is a place where contemporary Black arts flourish and enjoyed, nurturing and broadening the appreciation of these arts for audiences and participants from the whole community – Black and white.

For more information on our current programme and community activities please visit www.the-drum.org.uk

List of current Drum Trustees

Prof Upkar Pardesi OBE – Chair
Prof Mick Durman – Vice Chair
Haki Kapasi – Board member and Chair of Finance & General Purposes Committee
Shaun Cope – Board member and Chair of Programme & Marketing Committee
Joy Warmington – Board member
Don Kinch – Board member
Ninder Johal – Board member
Roger McKenzie – Board member
Aftab Rahman – Board member
Vanley Burke – Board member
Changes Raja – Board member