Jane Avison

Jane Avison leads the Humber Museums Partnership, a National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England. This partnership brings together four local authority museum services to create a sub-regional cultural hub dedicated to maximising social, place, and economic impact across the Humber region. Under her leadership, the partnership has become a dynamic force for learning and creativity, connecting museums and communities across the region.

As Head of Hull Museums and Gallery, Jane drives the strategic direction and development of the service. She oversees five city centre museums, the Ferens Art Gallery, and two historic vessels, with a strong commitment to widening access, deepening community engagement and championing Hull’s unique heritage.

Jane works closely with local partners, national bodies and major funders to deliver high-profile initiatives, including Hull Yorkshire’s Maritime City, one of the UK’s most ambitious cultural regeneration projects and a once in a generation opportunity to redefine how Hull’s maritime story is told.

With over 25 years’ experience in the culture and heritage sector, Jane has worked across national and regional museums and historic houses, specialising in cultural learning, partnership development, and sustainable business models. Her work in heritage learning has received national and international acclaim as best practice in creative learning and engagement.

Jane is part of the Museum Development North Directors and Advisors Group, maintaining a strategic overview of Museum Development North's programme, where she brings a strong voice for regional museums and a commitment to ensuring culture remains integral to thriving communities.