Prudence "Prue" Skene, a prominent figure in arts administration, died on March 5, 2025, at the age of 81. Her career, spanning five decades, saw significant evolution in the role of arts administrators, from managing organizations with limited resources to a more formalized profession requiring fundraising and governance expertise. Skene played a key role in this transformation, becoming a central figure in the British arts network and advocating for the improvement of conditions for arts leaders and practitioners. During her tenure as chair of the Arts Council of England (ACE) dance panel (1992-1995), she faced the challenge of a changing dance landscape, marked by the emergence of numerous smaller companies and the need to reduce funding for larger organizations. In 1994, Skene became the inaugural chair of the ACE lottery panel, overseeing the distribution of substantial ACE funds throughout the 1990s. This position made her influential in the development and renovation of prominent theaters, including the Royal Opera House, the Royal Court in London, and the Lowry in Manchester. Skene's understanding of the complexities of lottery funding was reflected in her 2017 book, "Capital Gains: How the National Lottery Transformed England’s Arts." In 2007, she joined Clore Leadership, part of the Clore Duffield Foundation, as a governance associate. In this role, she initiated a board development program and provided training and governance sessions to numerous cultural organizations. Skene addressed gaps she had identified earlier in her career by enhancing the accountability of arts organizations and boards. To disseminate this knowledge, she co-authored "Governance in the Arts and Museums: A Practical Guide" with Keith Arrowsmith and Tom Wilcox, offering a resource toolkit for trustees and staff. Born in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, on January 9, 1944, Prue was the second of four children to Phyllis (nee Langley) and Robert Skene, a company director. The family relocated to London after World War II. Prue attended Francis Holland School and later earned a first-class honors degree from the Open University in 2009. Despite claiming limited exposure to theater, dance, and cinema in her youth, secretarial work led her to the theater world. She became deputy administrator at the Roundhouse in North London (1973-75). While uninterested in the weekend rock concerts, she was captivated by performances from contemporary dance companies such as Twyla Tharp and Ballet Rambert. This experience led her to apply for the position of administrator (chief executive) of Ballet Rambert, where she remained for 11 years until 1986. Skene's collaborative spirit and dedication to learning about dance and management contributed to her success at Ballet Rambert. She inspired colleagues with her clear vision and kindness. Her initial task was organizing Rambert's 50th-anniversary celebrations in 1976, including two exhibitions and a gala. She supported artistic directors John Chesworth, Christopher Bruce, Richard Alston, and Robert North in developing a repertoire of new, contemporary works, touring extensively, and gaining international recognition for the company. Skene also cultivated corporate sponsorships, notably from the John Player Foundation, during a period when tobacco sponsorship was acceptable. This led to her marriage to Brian Wray, the marketing director of Imperial Tobacco. In 1986, they established their home in Bath. Coinciding with changes in artistic direction at Ballet Rambert, Skene decided to pursue new opportunities. The company was renamed Rambert Dance Company in 1987 and later shortened to Rambert in 2013. Skene returned to Rambert as chair of the board from 2000 to 2009, contributing her expertise while respecting new developments. She played a key role in relocating the company from its outdated facilities in Chiswick, West London, to purpose-built studios on the South Bank. Known for her business acumen and friendly demeanor, Skene was involved with numerous professional and voluntary organizations. She served as executive producer of the English Shakespeare Company (1987-90 and 1992) and director of the Arts Foundation (1993-98). From 2016 to 2024, she chaired Cardboard Citizens, a theater company providing opportunities to individuals who have experienced homelessness, inequality, or poverty. Skene was a trustee of the Nureyev Foundation, which promotes the dancer's legacy by supporting talented dancers, promoting his choreography, and advancing dancers' health and well-being. She also served as a trustee of Nesta, an innovation agency for social good. Her affiliations included the Theatrical Management Association, Friends of the V&A, Bath Theatre Royal, and the Rosie Kay Dance Company. Additionally, she was a non-executive director of the Royal United Hospital NHS Trust in Bath (1999-2003). In 2000, she was appointed CBE. Brian Wray passed away in 2002. Prue Skene is survived by two sisters, and eight nephews and nieces.
