Better Business / UWE Bristol
Chief executive of charity that runs Bristol Beacon receives honorary degree
The chief executive of the charity set up to manage Bristol Beacon has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
Louise Mitchell, chief executive of Bristol Music Trust, received an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree in recognition of her contribution to national and international cultural leadership and her dedication to voluntary roles.
The University conferred the honour on Tuesday, July 16, as part of UWE Bristol’s summer series of graduation ceremonies held at Bristol Beacon.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this prestigious degree from the University of the West of England. I’m delighted that our work to make great music available to everyone at Bristol Beacon is being recognised,” said Louise on the honour.
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She is among nine people being celebrated with honorary degrees at the ceremonies, in recognition of outstanding achievements in their chosen fields and significant contributions to Bristol.
Louise oversaw the Bristol Beacon’s £132 million transformation, which was the largest arts capital programme in the South West ahead of its opening in November 2023.
Bristol Music Trust was set up to manage Bristol Beacon: the music charity, historic venue and award-winning music education hub, and take a regional overview of music promotion.
Louise is also a chair of National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, a member of Arts Council England’s South West Area Council, a trustee the Paraorchestra and a council member of the Royal Philharmonic Society.
Previously, Louise was the director of the Glasgow UNESCO City of Music and Glasgow Concert Halls, as well as concerts director for the London Philharmonic Orchestra and assistant director of the Edinburgh International Festival.
A modern languages graduate, her first professional assignment was as a French interpreter in Provence for a pipe band from Hawick in the Scottish borders.
She has lived and worked in Bristol since 2011 when Bristol Music Trust was formed.
Bristol Beacon started its life in 1867 as Colston Hall, the organisation announced its new name in 2020 and in November 2023 reopened following its “once in a generation” transformation of its performance spaces under the leadership of Louise.
Bristol Beacon has established a city-wide live music programme, working with over 35 partner venues, and as the city’s music education hub, Bristol Beacon continues to engage with over 30,000 young people from all backgrounds and abilities across 130 schools in the city every year.
For further information, visit UWE Bristol and Bristol Beacon
Main photo: UWE
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