Clore Leadership pays tribute to Prue Skene CBE
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Prue Skene CBE, a champion of the arts and a long-standing Associate of Clore Leadership.
Prue held a number of key roles in the arts in the UK, with dance featuring strongly through her work as Executive Director (1975-1986), and later Chair of Rambert (2000-2009), where she played a pivotal role in securing the company’s relocation to their purpose-built new home on London’s South Bank.
She chaired the Dance Panel at Arts Council England from 1992 to 1995 greatly expanding the opportunities for dance development and increasing resources for independent dance companies and artists. She also chaired the National Lottery Panel, as it transformed and regenerated the capital landscape for culture across England, a time she reflected on in her book Capital Gains: How the National Lottery Transformed England’s Arts, published in 2017.
Prue led the Board Development programme for Clore Leadership from 2007, delivering a range of Board training days for Chairs and CEOs, Trustees and senior leaders nationally. She was a popular favourite on our Fellowship and Intensive Courses, where her supreme knowledge and experience of cultural sector governance meant no challenges were left unexplored. For our 21st Anniversary, Prue looked back on this time with fellow Governance Associate Keith Arrowsmith: https://www.cloreleadership.org/resource/21-years-of-clore-leadership-and-the-changing-landscape-of-governance-and-boards/
Prue also worked assiduously with Keith and Tom Wilcox (Senior Partner and Founder, Counterculture), to co-author Governance in the arts and museums: A practical guide which forms the centrepiece of a range of key resources for cultural governance practice from the Cultural Governance Alliance.
Most recently, Prue was Chair of Cardboard Citizens and a trustee of the Nureyev Foundation. She was awarded a CBE in the 2000 Birthday Honours List for services to the arts, especially dance. In addition to her experience of governance in the cultural sector, she also served as a non-executive Director of Royal United Hospital NHS Trust in Bath.
Prue’s passing has touched me deeply. She was a dear friend and mentor and I cherish the privilege of working with, and learning from, her vast experience since I joined Arts Council England in 1994. I treasure the laughter we often shared, her wit and wisdom, guidance and generosity. I will miss the twinkle in her eyes – a certain precursor to an astute (if naughty) observation
Hilary Carty, Executive Director, Clore Leadership
Prue has been a beacon of advice and inspiration, always ready to see beyond current challenges, and deftly navigate new pathways. She leaves an immense legacy and imprint on the cultural life of the UK.
Prue will be hugely missed by all the staff and trustees of Clore Leadership. We send our condolences to all Prue’s family and friends.
