Heather Peak, pictured wearing a T-shirt printed on residency at Artlab Contemporary Print Studio, University of Central Lancashire, titled ‘Autist Hold’. Shot on location in artist's woodland, part of the Celtic Rainforest Wales rewilding program.

Photo: Ivan Morison

Changing Faces

Peak joins DASH as CEO and Artistic Director 

Arts Professional
2 min read

Disabled-led visual arts organisation DASH has named HEATHER PEAK Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director. 

She joins the charity following the retirement of long-standing Artistic Director MIKE LAYWARD.

Peak is recognised as being part of an artistic duo with IVAN MORISON. The pair have taught, mentored, and supported artists, architects, students and communities over the past 20 years. 

Alongside her work with DASH, Peak plans to continue to pursue her own artistic practice, which has formally included commissions by Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Whitechapel Art Gallery, Tate Modern, and Southbank Centre.

In assuming her new role, Peak also becomes co-Chair of New Art West Midlands, the Contemporary Visual Arts Network, which DASH is the regional host of.  

Chair of DASH CRAIG ASHLEY said Peak brings a creative practice that “consistently inspires and engages people and communities”. 

“Her curious and adventurous approach will take DASH into new territory and bring a step change to the organisation at the national and international level.”

Peak added: “This is a hugely meaningful and important step in my artistic practice.”

“DASH will cultivate space for transformative artistic work and I’m deeply ambitious and intensely driven for DASH and it’s Disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent arts community in this complex world we live in.

“I look forward to holding a thriving, fair and equitable work environment where possibility and care are centred alongside advocacy and art making.”