Black Cultural Archives (BCA) has appointed Arike Oke as its new managing director.
According to the BCA, her role, when she takes over from current director Paul Reid in March, “will be to drive BCA’s mission to use its unique collection to promote the teaching, learning and understanding of African and Caribbean people’s history and heritage in Britain, as well as leading the strategic development of BCA, delivering against a business plan and fundraising strategy for the long-term sustainability for the organisation.”
Oke’s experience in the heritage and cultural sector includes being a board member of the National Archives’ programme to transform the UK archives sector, Unlocking Archives; is a BAFTA Heritage Board member; and, previously had an integral role in redeveloping Wellcome Collection’s approach to archives.
She secured significant funding for a national cross-sector multi-platform programme to commemorate the dance company Rambert’s 90th anniversary.
Oke said: “I am delighted to become the new managing director of BCA, building on the achievements of Paul Reid and his team. I am a passionate advocate of communities and heritage, and I take pride in working with people and on projects who share the ethos of creating a positive future for all.
“I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues, the Board, patrons, the local community, and our wider society to take BCA into its next phase. Black Cultural Archives is the home of Black British history, and is the conduit for telling our new, and old, stories. I’m excited to lead BCA to fulfil its potential as innovative, dynamic, and at the heart of our national conversation.”
BCA chair Dawn Hill said: “Arike is the perfect person to join BCA as managing director and we are thrilled to have her become part of the team. She shares our vision for the future of BCA and is bringing a wealth of experience, energy and creativity to the role.”
