Jenny White (Honorary Editor)
Jenny White first went to Japan in 1989 as Assistant Director and Arts Manager at the British Council. In this role over ten years, she developed art projects with independent artists, creative partners, and cultural organisations in both the UK and Japan. She also produced the arts and creative economy programme for two major festivals, UK90 and the yearlong UK98.
Following postings in Thailand, and London as Head of Arts Development, developing arts and health and ageing programmes, Jenny was appointed Director of the British Council in Cuba in 2006. In this role she developed international Science Links, English language programmes, hosted the first tour of the Royal Ballet to Cuba in 2009, produced the UK’s contribution to the Latin American Film Festival and the Havana Art Biennial. On return to UK, as Environment Project Manager, she developed new approaches to sustainable cultural relations, implementing an Environmental Management System and designing an eLearning programme for global staff. As Head of Visual Arts Programme, Jenny developed projects in the Americas and Africa with colleagues, managed funding for global biennales and established ‘Greening the Arts’ a forum to share best practice in Art and Environment projects.
In 2013 Jenny took up the challenge of promoting and managing art and cultural events and communications and social media for the volunteer-run Japan400, which marked the anniversary of the first formal encounters in 1613. While celebrating the historical relationship, Jenny’s focus was the development of a framework for ongoing cultural exchange and exploration of the intersection between Japanese and British cultures.
In 2021, Jenny joined The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation where she is CEO, supporting Japan and UK dialogue and exchange, and enjoying the renewed focus and opportunity to learn more about Japan. Jenny is also co-chair of APT gallery and studios, an artist led organisation in Deptford, South London and advises organisations on art and environment programmes.