Art History Link-Up today announced the appointments of a new Chair, Maureen Hooft Graafland, and Trustee positions for Victoria Yanakova and Arthur Byng Nelson.

The Board of Trustees of Art History Link-Up (AHLU) is delighted to announce the appointment of Maureen Hooft Graafland as Chair and the appointments of Victoria Yanakova and Arthur Byng Nelson as Trustees. They join the Board at an important time, as the Charity creates new courses and expands its reach.

Maureen has a deep passion for the arts and brings a wealth of experience from across the arts, philanthropy and finance sectors. Throughout her 35-year career at JP Morgan, Christie’s and Sotheby’s, Maureen has held leadership positions in which she has successfully shaped vision, fostered collaborative teams and implemented global strategic initiatives. Maureen is accomplished in building collaborative relationships across global networks, connecting philanthropy advisors, art collectors and wealth managers. Maureen holds a degree in History of Art and German from Smith College and a FT Non-Executive Director diploma.

Victoria Yanakova and Arthur Byng Nelson also join the Board, bringing specific expertise and knowledge that will benefit the organisation going forward.

Victoria is an art patron and private collector who has been supporting artists and museums for the last 15 years. She recently finished the Executive Master in Cultural Leadership programme at the Royal Academy of Arts and has a background in financial journalism, PR and hospitality. Arthur is a solicitor and Partner at Sherrards Solicitors LLP. He is particularly recognised for his expertise in art law advising the representatives of artists’ estates, charities, artists and collectors. Arthur studied History of Art at A-level and read History of Art (MA Hons.) at Edinburgh University.

Art History Link-Up is currently piloting new Art History introductory courses for students aged 13 - 15 that include an accredited Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), equivalent to up to half a GCSE. The third pilot is underway at the Courtauld, Somerset House, London (and available online) and once again over-subscribed. The cohort represents the most diverse group to date, with 71% of students identifying as from ethnic minorities and nearly half of students (45%) from widening participation backgrounds.

Maureen Hooft Graafland commented:

I am thrilled to be joining Art History Link-Up at such an exciting time for the Charity. I have long admired the work of the Charity and passionately share the belief that Art History is a subject of great value that should be more readily available to everyone. I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees and CEO Rose Aidin and her team.

Toby Monk, retiring Chair of the Board of Trustees said: ‘Following a strong recruitment process, we are delighted that Maureen Hooft Graafland will become Chair of the Board of Art History Link-Up. Maureen has a huge amount of experience across the arts from strategy and leadership and to development and collaboration and will be a huge asset for the Charity. She joins a very able Board of Trustees which is now augmented by the addition of Victoria Yanakova and Arthur Byng Nelson, I look forward to working with them as I continue as Trustee’. Toby has recently taken up a new role at Paul Smith's Foundation, partnering with Sir Paul Smith to build out his vision for the Foundation.

Rose Aidin MBE, Founder and CEO of Art History Link-Up commented: ‘I am hugely looking forward to working with our new Chair and all our Trustees at what is a very dynamic time for us as we look to increase the impact of the Charity through new courses and secure the future of art history in secondary schools. I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate my thanks to our retiring Chair, Toby Monk, for his commitment and support over the last four years’.