Jo Leahy, co-director SVA

Jo Leahy is a founder and lead strategic player in the development of SVA’s artistic and educational programme. SVA, founded in 1996, transformed empty spaces in a struggling market town into a thriving arts hub. Starting with no connections or funding, SVA built a network of artists who became community change-makers. Between 2004-2014, Jo led SVA’s £2.1 million capital project, creating permanent studios, gallery, bar, café and event spaces which now serves 300+ artists and 30,000 annual visitors. Despite post-pandemic challenges and the cost of living crisis, SVA remains committed to its core mission: empowering artists and harnessing imagination to create meaningful change.

Jo was a founder steering group member and mentor for ALIAS, Turning Point South West, Visual Arts South West and Create Gloucestershire (2000- 2016); a selected participant of Culture Reset (July 2020), Clore Leadership training (Oct 2018) and is a qualified Coach Coach and Mentor for artists, artists groups and organisations.