Jo Leahy

Artistic Director

Founder member, artist and director Jo Leahy has been a key strategic player in the formation and development of SVA. With energy and determination Jo Leahy and her Co-Director, created a vital and innovative organisation from scratch - an organisation that has grown and developed to the point where it is now recognised as one of the most active and exciting arts organisations in the South West. Jo Leahy has project managed the development of all 3 phases of the capital project. Jo Leahy previously worked in an artistic partnership undertaking commissions, performances and workshops. She has been an Advisor for the Artist-Led Initiative Advisory Service (ALIAS), and also has been active in the development work of the National Federation of Studio Providers, Turning Point South West and Visual Arts South West.

Neil Walker

Artistic Director

Founder member, artist and director Neil Walker has been a key strategic player in the formation and development of SVA. In 1996 he and his Co-Director had the vision to see the potential in the physically and culturally empty spaces in the heart of Stroud, a struggling market town, in the south west of England.

Through Neil Walker’s expert knowledge of SVA’s building and programming aims, he has project managed the development all 3 phases of the capital project. Neil Walker has undertaken both private and public art commissions, and his work sits in the Cartier Foundation Collection, Paris. Neil Walker was also a Director for the Artist-Led Initiative Advisory Service (ALIAS).