Sevra Davis will “demonstrate potential of creativity” as new design director of British Council

The British Council has announced the appointment of Sevra Davis to the role of director of architecture, design and fashion.

Davis previously worked as head of design at the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), leading the organisation’s push for design in society as well as overhauling the RSA Student Design Awards programme. Changes implemented included increasing the income and range of funding from partners, as well as pushing the programme out to the US and Malaysia.

She moved from the RSA to her most recent role as head of learning at the Design Museum, where she oversaw the museum’s education programme.

Before her involvement in the non-profit sector, Davis trained and worked as an architect. This and her more recent experience informed her numerous talks on the value of design and open social innovation. Davis has also advised governments around the world on these topics.

“I’ve dedicated my career to arts for social change and the positive contribution that architecture, design and fashion can make,” says Davis. “I believe strongly in the British Council’s work fostering cultural exchange and dialogue through the arts.”

Her new role as director of architecture, design and fashion will see her continue to build on the organisation’s art strategy, with a particular focus on challenges faced by the world today and the British Council’s connections overseas.

Kate Arthurs, director of arts at the British Council, says: “Sevra’s passion for design and vision for how it can help us shape our societies could not be more relevant to today’s global challenges.”

Among other new projects, Davis’ new appointment will see her work on the British Pavilion presentation at next year’s International Architecture Exhibition at la Biennale di Venezia.