David Powell, the finance director and later chair of the influential arts and development charity Inter-Action, has died aged 78. He was described as the backbone of the organisation for a quarter of a century from 1968.
Key role at Inter-Action
Powell joined Inter-Action in 1968 while still a student, working weekends before becoming full-time after graduating in 1969. He took on roles as performer, theatre games workshop leader, trainer and youth leader. From the early 1970s until 1986 he served as finance director. He became a trustee in 1987 and chaired the charity from 1990 to 1992.
Under Inter-Action, which was founded by Ed Berman, Powell helped launch the City Farms movement, the Weekend Arts College, arts buses, and spin-off projects across several counties. He oversaw the construction of the Inter-Action centre in Kentish Town, London, which was one of the UK's first purpose-built community arts and resource centres.
Later career and consultancy
After leaving Inter-Action in 1986, Powell joined the community development team at London Docklands Development Corporation. In 1991 he founded his own consultancy, DPA, which played a vital role in developing the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, the Institute of New International Visual Arts (INIVA), Stratford Circus, Derby Quad and many other projects.
Powell chaired Greater London Arts from 1990 to 1992, overseeing its transition into London Arts Board. He chaired Camden Arts Centre for 10 years from 1998. DPA produced reports on the UK creative economy that influenced the Blair government's economic plans and provided the inaugural culture briefing for the first mayor of London, Ken Livingstone.
Influential report on arts funding
In 2013, with Christopher Gordon and Peter Stark, Powell wrote 'Rebalancing Our Cultural Capital', a report on persistent inequities in England's arts funding that continues to influence national conversation today.
Born in London to Jean (a nurse) and Benedict Powell (a paediatrician), he grew up in Werrington, near Peterborough. He attended The King's School, Canterbury, and Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he studied history and graduated in 1969. That summer he met his partner Harriet, a musician who became musical director of Spare Tyre theatre company and a music therapist.
Personal life and legacy
Powell was a marathon runner, explorer of wild places and cold-water swimmer. In 2015 he and Harriet moved to Ogmore-by-Sea in the Vale of Glamorgan. Last year his book 'Pulling Together' about his years at Inter-Action was published.
He is survived by Harriet, their sons Sam and Tom, and grandchildren Eva, Ezra and Lilwen.
