Jarvis Astaire Appointed Chairman

    Under strict embargo to: 0700hrs Tuesday 17th January 2006

   FIRST ARTIST ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF JARVIS ASTAIRE OBE AS NON EXECUTIVE   
                                   CHAIRMAN                                    

First Artist Corporation PLC (AIM: FAN), the acquisitive sports and
entertainment group, today announces the appointment of Jarvis Astaire as
non-executive Chairman to the Company.

Jarvis Astaire, OBE, 82, has had an extensive career in the international
sporting industry over the past forty years. As Deputy Chairman of Wembley
Stadium Limited from 1984-1999, Jarvis was responsible for dealing with The
Football League, The Football Association, Euro 96 and the many clubs involved
in playing matches at the stadium. Prior to Wembley, Jarvis was a leading
boxing promoter for the likes of Mohammed Ali, and then through his company
ViewSport, a pioneer in using closed circuit TV to broadcast major sporting
events. As Chairman of GRA Limited (1997-2005), he was responsible for
introducing greyhound racing onto Sky. In 2004, Jarvis Astaire received an OBE
for services to young people in London.

Jon Smith, Chief Executive of First Artist Corporation PLC, commented:

"Having worked closely with Jarvis in introducing NFL American Football, NBA
Basketball and NHL ice hockey to the UK in the 1980's and 90's, I am delighted
to now welcome him onto First Artist's Board. As an elder statesman of the
sports industy, his connections are unparalleled. We are confident Jarvis will
play an instrumental role within the company's acquisition programme over the
next twelve months."

Tim Chadwick will move to the position of non-executive Vice Chairman.

Jon Smith added:

"The Board would also like to thank Tim Chadwick for his significant
contribution over the last ten months. Tim was brought in specifically to
oversee the reshaping of the business and the associated fund raising activity.
Thanks to his expertise, we have successfully completed that stage of our
development; we are immensely grateful for all that he has achieved. We are
likewise delighted that Tim is to continue as non-executive Vice Chairman.
Working alongside our finance director, Richard Hughes, his focus will be to
continue building relationships with the financial and investment community as
First Artist progresses its growth strategy."

Directorships held by Jarvis Astaire in the last five years are:

  * Wembley Stadium Limited - Deputy Chairman (1984-99)
   
  * GRA Limited - Chairman (1997-2005)
   
No further information needs to be disclosed under the AIM rules.

- ends -

For further information:

First Artist Corporation plc

Jon Smith, Chief Executive Tel. + 44 (0) 20 8900 1818

Richard Hughes, Finance Director

Shore Capital Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7408 4090

Alex Borrelli

gth media relations

Toby Hall/Jade Mamarbachi Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7153 8039/8035



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