Kevin Ryan

Kevin Ryan, alumnus and CEO of Charnwood Arts, passed away peacefully on 22 April 2020 after some months of illness with lung cancer.

Kevin was a photographer, a familiar local presence who was always seen with a camera at hand ready to capture big and small moments at festivals and events.

His photographic achievements and stunning images formed the backbone of publications produced by Charnwood Arts over many years, as well as exhibitions here and around the world. He leaves a substantial legacy of photographs.

Kevin was devoted to his talented and creative family of musicians, artists, and public servants. He is remembered as a Community Arts Development worker who homeschooled his children and a busy young dad.

Kevin organised, maintained, and supported Picnic in the Park, Loughborough Mela, and countless other projects. He worked with schools and with young people excluded from school, with young offenders, local community groups, and individuals from many backgrounds.

He contributed to major schemes such as Sidings Park and Charnwood Forest, as well as to more modest workshops and groups for drawing, painting, photography, dancing, singing, and drama. He brought people together to showcase their creative brilliance in books, performances, and a series of events to commemorate the centenary of WW1.

Nick Slater, Director of LU Arts, said:

“I worked with Kevin on many projects with LU Arts. Over that time I witnessed someone whose life was dedicated to community and creativity, who was not just a Director of a local arts organisation, but someone who was part of the fabric of the town and who added so much value to it. 

We worked together on a number of projects, which were always enjoyable, and I shall never forget his generosity, his energy, his humour or the many meetings held in the Coffee Pot planning the next great arts project. He will be sorely missed by a great many people, not just in Loughborough, but across the world.”

Charnwood Arts published Kevin’s magazine ‘The Heart of Three Cities’, which celebrated Loughborough’s achievements. Kevin always sought to engage the people of Loughborough and Charnwood Borough in arts projects which enhanced and enriched our lives, broke down prejudice, and created cohesion and fellowship. He wrote about, spoke about, and most importantly lived these values in his life and in his work.