Swansea Council’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Curator, Karen MacKinnon, is made an MBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday honours.

Karen is recognised for services to the arts. She has enjoyed a 25-year career as an arts director and curator, bringing high-profile artists, exhibitions and events to Wales. 

Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “We congratulate Karen on this significant honour.” 

Karen said: “This came as a complete surprise but it’s an honour to accept on behalf of all those arts organisations and brilliant artists I have worked with over the past 25 years!” 

Karen has worked as an international curator based in Wales from the late 1990s to 2013. This included roles at Glynn Vivian, Swansea, and Chapter and Artes Mundi in Cardiff.  

Mathew Prichard CBE, Chairman of Artes Mundi, said: “All at Artes Mundi warmly congratulate Karen on being awarded the MBE.” 

Phil George, Chair, Arts Council of Wales, said: “Throughout her career, Karen has demonstrated the power art has to change lives.”