Cumbrian arts charity Prism Arts has appointed Maisie Hunt as its new chief executive officer, placing her in permanent charge as the organisation prepares to mark its 40th anniversary.
Hunt, who is Cumbrian, became interim director in April 2026. Her background spans the arts, charities and community organisations, including work at the Barbican Centre and the National Gallery.
As a neurodivergent leader, Hunt brings personal experience to Prism Arts’ work supporting the creativity of learning disabled and neurodivergent artists.
A new chapter for Prism Arts
Hunt said the appointment gave her the opportunity to build on Prism Arts’ existing strengths while setting its direction for the years ahead.
“It is a privilege to take on the role of CEO at Prism and to lead such a talented and committed team.”
“This appointment represents an opportunity to build on our strengths and set a clear course for the years ahead.”
She said future decisions would focus on investment in staff, stronger partnerships and making sure Prism Arts was ready to pursue new opportunities. Hunt also said she wanted the organisation to grow without losing the values that had earned the trust of the people and communities it worked with.
Work exhibited in Kendal and beyond
Prism Arts’ work has recently been exhibited at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead. In Cumbria, pieces have been displayed at Brewery Arts in Kendal and Tullie Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle.
The organisation’s artists have also received individual recognition. Emma Evans had work selected for the 2026 ArtWorks Together International Exhibition in Sheffield. Stuart Irving won the Judge’s Choice Prize at the 2025 Brewery Arts Open Exhibition and held his first solo exhibition at Brewery Arts this year.
Tullie hosted PRISM 2026 in July, bringing together work by Prism creatives in a public exhibition.
40th anniversary exhibition planned for Kendal
Prism Arts’ anniversary year will include a major exhibition at Brewery Arts in Kendal. The exhibition is scheduled to run from February to May 2027, giving local audiences an opportunity to see work by the organisation’s creatives as Prism Arts celebrates four decades of activity.
Sarah McGrath and Vincent Walden, co-chairs of the Prism Arts trustee board, said Hunt had already made a strong contribution during her time as interim director. They said she understood the organisation, its communities and the importance of creating opportunities for learning disabled and neurodivergent creatives.
“We’re looking forward to working with Maisie as Prism Arts enters its 40th anniversary year and continues to champion creative voices across Cumbria and beyond.”