Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council, has been elected the new chair of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA).

Davey will take over the post from Risto Ruohonen, the director general of the Finnish National Gallery.

Davey said: "The work that IFACCA does enables arts councils and ministries of culture around the world to operate more effective.

"It s is vital in making sure that arts and culture are taken seriously, something I believe is important for citizens and nations the world over."

IFACCA, an international network of national arts funding agencies, aims to share knowledge, create understanding and strengthen the capacity of arts councils and culture agencies.