Louis Theroux joins In Place of War as CORE AMBASSADOR
We are delighted to announce broadcaster and filmmaker Louis Theroux as the ambassador for our newly launched donor collective, alongside two major new appointments to our Board of Trustees.
After more than 20 years using creativity and culture to support communities affected by conflict, climate crisis and social injustice, In Place of War also welcomes festival founder Jo Vidler and philanthropic strategist Ruci Fixter to our board as we enter a major new phase of growth.
Best known for his award-winning documentaries exploring some of society’s most complex stories, Louis Theroux will now front In Place of War’s newly launched “Core Community” initiative, a confidential donor network designed to help fund the infrastructure behind In Place of War’s work across more than 30 countries.
Speaking about the partnership, Louis said:“In Place of War does something genuinely rare: it goes where no one else does and it stays. The work is extraordinary, the communities it supports are extraordinary, and the people running it are passionate about making a better world.”
He added:“I’m proud to support the Core Community and to encourage others to back the infrastructure that makes all of it possible.
Founded over two decades ago, In Place of War works directly with artists, musicians and grassroots organisations in communities navigating war, displacement and inequality, creating long-term creative programmes that champion resilience and local leadership.
Our Artist Advisory Board includes names such as Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Laurie Anderson, AURORA, Kneecap and Bicep.
The newly launched Core Community initiative aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing charities globally is funding the behind-the-scenes work that keeps organisations operating.
While project funding is often available, the day-to-day infrastructure, global partnerships and crisis-response capacity needed to deliver our work are frequently overlooked.
New trustee Jo Vidler brings decades of experience creating some of the UK’s best-known cultural spaces, including Wilderness Festival, Secret Garden Party and Elrow.
Meanwhile, Ruci Fixter joins the board with extensive expertise in reputation management and philanthropy, having advised CEOs, political figures and high-profile individuals on values-led giving and social impact.
Ruth Daniel, CEO and Artistic Director of In Place of War, described the appointments as a “significant moment” for the charity.
She said:“Jo and Ruci are exactly the kind of board members we need right now. They understand the intersection of creativity, infrastructure and lasting change, and they bring both credibility and care.”
Core Community members will be invited into a series of private events, artist conversations and behind-the-scenes briefings designed to connect supporters directly with the organisation’s work around the world.
