Press Releases

Kath Davies will be responsible for the team of 120 staff who care for over 5 million objects in Amgueddfa Cymru’s collections, spread across eight sites and covering everything from molluscs and Monets and textiles to tools.

Kath Davies brings to Amgueddfa Cymru a wealth of experience having worked in the arts sector in Wales for over 20 years.  Until her appointment, Kath was a member of the Arts Council of Wales’ Senior Leadership Team where she headed up the Arts Funding team which included responsibility for Grant Funding programmes, Arts Portfolio Wales, Research and Evaluation, Information Services and Capital. Kath also delivered an ambitious Wales-wide Resilience Programme which focused on improving the sustainability of arts organisations.

During her time with the Arts Council, Kath led on some ambitious schemes including the development of the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff The Riverfront in Newport, Theatr Mwldan in Abertifi and Galeri, Caernarfon. She also oversaw/supervised the redevelopment of Ruthin Craft Centre, Oriel Davies,Newtown Valleys Kids, Tonypandy, Sherman Cymru, Cardiff and Pontio, Bangor.

Originally from Ystradgynlais in the Swansea Valley, Kath graduated from Aberystwyth University with a degree in history and Welsh history. Her early career was in the museums sector and following a year’s apprenticeship with National Museum Wales, Kath took up a post with Isle of Anglesey County Council as Research and Museums Officer. She was involved in the establishment of Oriel Ynys Môn, Llangefni and was responsible for the exhibitions programme. During this time, Kath completed an MA in Museum Studies at Leicester University and also gained a diploma from the Museums Association in social history curatorship.

Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru, David Anderson, said:

“I am delighted that Kath is joining Amgueddfa Cymru and I know that we will benefit from her wide experience and enthusiasm for the museum and galleries sector. It is an exciting time as we embark upon our new ten year strategic plan for Amgueddfa Cymru, which will be developed over the course of the next year.

“Wales’ national collections and our research activity are core to our work, enabling us to deliver for the people of Wales and beyond. We look forward to working with Kath to further develop Amgueddfa Cymru’s collection for future generations.”    

Kath Davies said

“It’s a real privilege to join the team at Amgueddfa Cymru at this exciting point in its history. I look forward to working with colleagues across Wales to develop and implement a bold and ambitious Strategic Plan. The Museum’s rich and diverse collections belong to everyone in Wales and I’m passionate about making sure that as many people as possible can enjoy and use them to tell their own stories.” 

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales is a family of seven museums and a collections centre, which are all free to enter thanks to the support of the Welsh Government. Together, it is home to the nation’s art, history, heritage and science collections, which will continue to grow so that they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations.

One of its museums, St Fagans National Museum of History which explores the history and culture of Wales, won Art Fund Museum of the Year 2019.

As a registered charity, Amgueddfa Cymru is grateful for all support. The events and exhibitions programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.