Directors

Victor Potter has many years experience both as a classical musician and Company Director where his expertise lies in company development and administration. He is Organist and Director of Music at Eastbourne Parish Church, a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and  is well known as a recitalist, choral conductor and choral workshop leader. He is project leader of Eastbourne Early Music, Director of the early music chamber choir 'Lux Aeterna', and leader of 'Seaside Harmonies', Eastbourne's daytime Community Choir. Whilst in a previous musical appointment in Brighton, Victor organised over a hundred concerts, recitals and other events in the Brighton Festival Fringe and was involved in research at the University of Sussex which included aspects of audience participation and development. When he arrived in Eastbourne, one of his ambitions was to promote an annual Eastbourne Festival and encourage celebration of Eastbourne's unique history, location, character and cultural mix.

Julian Sutherland-Beatson has lived and worked in Eastbourne for many years. Having trained as an illustrator at the Eastbourne Art College under printmaker Robert Tavener, Julian went on to work as a graphic designer, at first with Conran Associates in London then latterly with his own company, SB Design. Julian helped co-ordinate the Artists Open Houses during the first Eastbourne Festival (March 08). "I was astonished at the level of creativity that emerged from the town. So many people were saying that this is exactly what the town needs. I am extremely excited to be involved with the organisation of the Festival and help shape the way it will develop next year and in the future. We have big plans for this Festival and seek to put it at the heart of Eastbourne's cultural life, influencing the way the town is perceived on a local, regional and national level". As well as working on his own creative projects, Julian runs marketing workshops for visual artists and also teaches Salsa dancing.

Mandy Kenward was born in Eastbourne and has spent most of her life here. From an early age she studied all forms of dance and runs her own dance company, Cancan Boheme, which in addition to performing at festivals and private functions all over Britain and beyond, offers aspiring dancers the chance to follow their dream. She has been a regular performer at Glastonbury and other high-profile events. She is also a director of Boudoir Bliss, an Event Management company, and has a long track record of working on major projects. Mandy also trained in Fine Art and Ceramics at Eastbourne Art College. She is committed to inclusion and community-based initiatives such as the Eastbourne Art Trail, a free event which she started in 2005 to give young people in the town the opportunity to experience and participate in art. She strongly believes in the rich potential that exists in Eastbourne and is delighted to have the chance to help foster the creative talents of tomorrow as well as to support the many creative people in the town.