Jo-Annah Richards Appointed Director of Montserrat Arts Council

Jo-Annah Richards has been appointed Director of the Montserrat Arts Council (MAC), effective August 10, 2026, the Office of the Premier has announced.

Richards was selected following a competitive recruitment and selection process and was formally onboarded in early August.

The Office of the Premier said the appointment represents an important step in strengthening the leadership and strategic direction of MAC, while advancing the Government of Montserrat’s commitment to developing and promoting the island’s cultural and creative sectors.

Richards brings experience spanning public policy, law, financial management, governance, risk management, auditing, project management and the arts.

She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management and an LLB in Law. She is also a Certified Internal Auditor and holds a Certification in Risk Management Assurance.

Her public-sector career includes serving within the Government of Montserrat as Internal Audit Manager and Assistant Secretary/Finance Manager. Before joining the public service, she worked with the Royal Bank of Scotland in the United Kingdom, progressing to the position of Commercial Banking Portfolio Manager.

Richards has also undertaken consulting assignments with organisations across the public and private sectors, as well as with the United Nations Development Programme.

Her international arts administration experience includes serving as Executive Assistant to the CEO and Artistic Director of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in London.

Alongside her professional qualifications, Richards has an extensive connection to Montserrat’s cultural sector. Her performing arts background includes acting and singing, and she is a former member of the Montserrat National Youth Choir. She is also a published author.

Her involvement in culture and the arts began at primary school and has continued throughout her life. For more than 20 years, she has participated in pageantry during Montserrat’s year-end festival, including the management of both the Miss Teen and Miss Montserrat pageants.

The Office of the Premier said Richards’ combination of organisational expertise and longstanding involvement in the arts positions her to lead MAC as it supports artists, creatives and cultural practitioners and contributes to the development of Montserrat’s creative industries.