New trustees and Chair of the Board
Forma welcomes four new Trustees to its board, including a new Chair
4 February 2025
Forma is delighted to welcome Ranveer Bassey, Jack Charlesworth, Lucia Pietroiusti, and Alys Williams to our board of trustees. Beginning in January 2025, the new trustees will join our existing board members: Yves Blais, Eva Langret, Laura Parker, Chris Sharp, and Himali Singh Soin.
We are pleased to announce that Ranveer Bassey will take on the role of Treasurer, while Lucia Pietroiusti steps into the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees. Ranveer Bassey, Vice President in the Real Estate team at Strategic Value Partners, was introduced to the organisation by Forma’s departing Chair Anders Hemmingsen, and brings financial acumen and strategic insight as we continue to explore new business opportunities. Jack Charlesworth, Director of Sales and Commercial Development at Edel Assanti gallery in London, brings expertise in arts philanthropy and cultural strategy as well as a deep understanding of the shifting dynamics within our sector. Lucia Pietroiusti, a long-time friend of Forma, is a curator, programmer, and organisational strategist who currently serves as Head of Ecologies at Serpentine, London. As well as chairing the board and maintaining Forma’s momentum and focus on artist development, Lucia will help Forma embed environmental responsibility in the organisation’s programme. Alys Williams is an art consultant committed to fostering partnerships and sustainability in the arts. A Bermondsey resident living just minutes from FormaHQ, she has deep ties to Forma’s local and international community. Alys Williams is an art consultant committed to fostering partnerships and sustainability in the arts. A Bermondsey resident living just minutes from FormaHQ, she has deep ties to Forma’s local and international community. Alys was the founder of VITRINE (2012–2024) and has entrusted Forma with the gallery’s former space in Bermondsey Square. Alongside this transition, she will share her entrepreneurial acumen and business experience to support Forma’s future initiatives and resilience.
Lucia Pietroiusti, Chair, on behalf of the incoming Trustees said:
In times of profound transformation, cultural institutions require an approach that is courageous, regenerative, compassionate, and wise. One that steadfastly supports the work of artists—the keepers of our shared histories and the weavers of our shared futures. Organisations like Forma are therefore needed now more than ever in our art and culture ecosystem. Forma supports artistic visions from research through commissioning, production, and touring, all with deep attention and dedication. It is an honour for us to join its board, supporting the work of Artistic Director Chris Rawcliffe, Managing Director Caroline Heron, and the extraordinary team and existing Trustees. We wish Anders Hemmingsen—whose six years as Chair of the Board oversaw some of the most significant developments in Forma’s history—a fond farewell. We are inspired by this history and excited by what lies ahead
With two new sites set to launch in London in 2025, Forma faces exciting opportunities alongside the challenges of funding and income generation. The new trustees bring a wealth of complementary skills and experiences, including local connections, enhanced visibility within the cultural sector, and strategic guidance for our business activities. Their expertise will also support Forma's commitment to environmental sustainability and impactful engagement within Bermondsey and beyond.
Forma’s Managing Director, Caroline Heron, added: On behalf of all here at Forma, we extend a warm welcome to our newest trustees Ranveer, Jack, Lucia and Alys who share a deep connection with the organisation and its purpose to champion artistic ambition and establish a supportive environment in which culture and community can thrive. Each new member brings with them an invaluable set of skills and perspectives that we believe will be instrumental in achieving Forma’s mission and shaping the future resilience of the organisation.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our current board. With your guidance and enthusiasm, we have redefined Forma’s role in the cultural sector - fostering a sustainable model that has widened our offer to artists and partners alike and in doing so greatly enhanced our reach and relevance. Thank you for continued support and nurturing presence.
Together, with our current and new trustees, we look forward to building on this foundation, driving forward Forma’s vision for a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful future.
Farewell to Anders Hemmingsen
After nine incredible years on Forma’s board of trustees, including six as Chair, Anders Hemmingsen has concluded his tenure as Chair of the Board. The Forma team and trustees extend their heartfelt gratitude to Anders for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support of Forma’s mission and work.
During his tenure, Forma underwent a profound transformation. Key achievements include the appointment of new trustees and an executive team, the launch of innovative artistic programmes and artist support initiatives, and the completion of major commissions and acquisitions. Notably, Anders oversaw the establishment of FormaHQ, our celebrated cultural hub in South London, as recognised by two RIBA awards.
Reflecting on Anders’ impact, Artistic Director Chris Rawcliffe shared: I cannot thank Anders enough for the support, guidance and leadership he has shown. Under his chairmanship, Forma has evolved into a more visible, vibrant, and relevant organisation, operating multiple sites across London and offering our artistic community and audiences an enhanced range of artistic activities. From artist studios and international residencies to major commissions, touring shows, and cross-sector collaborations, Anders’ legacy is an organisation that thrives on forging unconventional paths and finding new ways to meaningfully engage and work with artists. Merci, Anders!
When Anders assumed the role of Chair in 2019, Forma was in need of radical change. Under his guidance, the organization forged significant co-commissions, including partnerships with Frieze for the Frieze Artist Award, Scotland+Venice for the Venice Biennale, and Art Fund for the commissioning and acquisition of 72 new works. Anders also championed the FormaHQ Capital project to establish a new cultural centre and public garden in South London. This entrepreneurial momentum continued with the launch of Presse Books and the development of additional artist studios in South London.
From our departing Chair Anders Hemmingsen:
I am incredibly proud to have served as Forma’s Chair for the past six years and as a Trustee since 2015. In that time, Forma has transformed almost beyond recognition, and the team’s accomplishments under Chris and Caroline’s leadership have been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, Forma not only serves its local community in the Borough of Southwark and provides artists with affordable studio spaces, but also continues to support a remarkable portfolio of practitioners who spark important - and sometimes difficult conversations around politics, technology, conflict, and inequality.
Coming from outside the sector, I have gained invaluable insight into the art world through Forma’s lens. It has been heartbreaking to witness how many artists and those who collaborate with them face unfair wages and challenging living conditions. I appreciate the analogy that art is like oxygen; it may make up just a small fraction of what sustains us, but without it, we would perish.
Despite the joy and critical perspectives art brings, funding in the sector continues to dry up. I trust that Forma will remain steadfast in advocating for artists and exploring new ways to support them. And making remarkable art happen.
Throughout his tenure, Anders and the Board of Trustees adeptly steered Forma through pivotal challenges, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant shifts within the cultural sector. He leaves Forma in a strong and resilient position with a dedicated team, committed board of trustees, strong partnerships and exciting artistic programme planned for 2025.