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Professor Rathna Ramanathan, Provost of Central Saint Martins, appointed to Creative UK Council

A black and white side portrait of Rathna
  • Written byPress Office
  • Published date 14 April 2026
A black and white side portrait of Rathna
Professor Rathna Ramanathan. Photo courtesy of Global Deans Forum.

Professor Rathna Ramanathan, Provost of Central Saint Martins and UAL Executive Dean for Global Affairs, has been appointed as a new member of Creative UK’s Council, a body representing the full breadth of the cultural and creative industries across UK regions.

The Council works to deliver growth, success and sustainability for the sector. It plays a vital role in shaping impact priorities and policy positions on key sectoral issues, while sharing crucial insights from its respective industries and championing the needs of its member organisations and wider communities.

Chaired by Nick Poole, Chief Executive Officer of Ukie, the trade body for the UK games and interactive entertainment industry, the Council comprises of industry leaders working independently and within local, regional and national organisations, including Southbank Centre, BBC, New Writing North and the Design Business Association.

“I am thrilled to be joining Creative UK’s Council for a two-year term. The Council brings together voices from across the creative and cultural industries, spanning organisations large and small, freelancers, practitioners and educators, to shape policy priorities and advocacy with government. For 2026–28, the focus will be on driving forward the Creative Industries Sector Plan, across pillars including skills, regional growth, access to finance, AI adoption, trade and EDI.  

I’m keen to strengthen the conversation between industry and education. The creative sector’s future depends on how well we connect what is taught and what is practised. As we know, the strongest creative economies are built where education and industry genuinely shape each other. The UK Council membership shows a keen intention to make these critical conversations happen at the policy table, as well as in our studios and workshops. I am really looking forward to working alongside an extraordinary group of Council members.”

Rathna Ramanathan, Provost of Central Saint Martins and Executive Dean of Global Affairs, University of the Arts London