Vikas Kumar MBE

(Date first appointed: 2021)

Vikas Kumar is Founder and Director of GemArts, and since 2000 he has been leading this visionary arts organisation. Vikas’ passion for creativity, diversity and equality of opportunity has built GemArts into an internationally recognised arts organisation, which continues to grow from strength to strength.

Vikas’ expertise in the South Asian and Diversity Arts sector, from a national and international perspective, has enabled him to develop an excellent network of artists and creative producers worldwide. Working on a strategic level and in collaboration with the voluntary, public and private sector, Vikas has made a significant contribution in increasing arts engagement amongst under represented communities particularly those from a Black Asian and Minority Ethnic and wider backgrounds across the North East.

Through GemArts award winning, ambitious and inspiring artistic programme, including performances, festivals, commissions and workshops, collaborating with flagship venues, community spaces and regional, national and international partners, Vikas has been instrumental in supporting artists at every stage of their career, ensuring that talent and artistic excellence is diverse, thriving and celebrated.
Vikas was awarded an MBE in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to Arts and Culture. In 2009 Vikas received the Gateshead Award by the Mayor for outstanding service to Gateshead. He was awarded Asian Business Connexions Art and Culture award in 2016, and then again in 2019.

Vikas currently holds various non-exec and voluntary roles including Chair of Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts’ Equality and Diversity Committee, Vice Chair/Trustee of Bensham Grove Community Centre, and is Trustee of Northern Stage amongst others.