Cllr Josh Mason, Trustee
Cllr, Redcar & Cleveland
Josh is a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Zetland Ward in Redcar & Cleveland.
Connect with Josh: @joshmasonredcar / josh.mason@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Q&As
When did you join the Board of Tees Valley Arts?
December 2014.
What interests and excites you about Tees Valley Arts?
I’m excited by the hope and possibility that Tees Valley Arts brings to the cultural landscape of Teesside.
What do you love about Teesside?
Vibrancy and diversity! There’s so much that’s diverse and vibrant about Teesside: from its rugged rural landscape, to its industrial heartlands; and amongst its communities. I love its proud heritage and all the potential there is to build and grow.
When you were a child what did you want to be?
A Morris dancer or a Punch and Judy Man!
What is your earliest memory?
Dropping an ice cream my mum had bought me from the ice cream van and then having to have a disappointing lolly from the freezer instead.
What is your most treasured possession?
My copy of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam that I inherited from my gran.
What is the worst job you’ve ever done?
I’ve been really lucky with the jobs I’ve had – although I did once take it upon myself to scrape all the chewing gum from under the seats in the main theatre at Arc. It wasn’t pleasant but it was very satisfying.
What has been your biggest disappointment in life?
Realising that I couldn’t change the world from the council chamber!
Who is your favourite artist (any artform)?
I’m a huge fan of early opera and Baroque music in general – so I would have to pick a singer – probably Andreas Scholl, a German counter-tenor.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If the worsts come to the worst, Josh, the circus will be back in town soon – I hear they’re recruiting…
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Baroness Shirley Williams – she’s a hugely courageous, outspoken politician who stands up for her beliefs, whatever the cost.
If resources were no object, what project or activity would you most like to see Tees Valley Arts undertake?
I’d love TVA to facilitate a huge, cross-Teesvalley cultural celebration of everything that’s great about Teesside, reaching out to, and bringing together, all communities.