A BOARD tasked with maximising opportunities created by the county’s cultural sector will be led by sector experts for the first time.
Joe Hill, Director and CEO of Towner Eastbourne becomes chair of the Culture East Sussex board, while Julia Roberts, CEO of Culture Shift, takes up the post of vice chair.
The cultural sector is important to the economy of East Sussex and Culture East Sussex brings together public bodies, cultural organisations and individuals to act as a collective voice for culture across East Sussex, develop the skills of people working in the sector and promote diversity.
Joe Hill has been the Director and CEO of Towner Eastbourne since 2018. Under his leadership, the gallery was named Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2020 and hosted the Turner Prize in 2023 as part of its Centenary celebrations.
He said: “I am delighted to take up the role of Chair of Culture East Sussex at such a pivotal time for the cultural sector. East Sussex is home to a vibrant and diverse range of creative organisations, and I am committed to working with the network to champion their resilience, amplifying the social impact of culture, and fostering innovation across the region.
“By working collaboratively, we can ensure that culture continues to enrich our communities, support the local economy, and inspire future generations. I’m excited to build on the incredible work already underway and to advance our shared ambitions.”
Julia Roberts is a theatre specialist and CEO of Culture Shift, which delivers projects working with
children and young people, disabled people, carers and people with dementia.
Speaking of her new role on Culture East Sussex, she said: “We undoubtedly live in challenging times, but I believe we’re fortunate in East Sussex to have such a strong cultural offer. I am proud to be working alongside Joe and board colleagues to advocate for the value our arts and cultural sector brings to our communities in such times.”
The new chair and vice chair will bring a breadth of experience from running large scale venues and events to work with local communities and they will work together, with the board, to promote the cultural sector, build new partnerships and support new projects.
Since being established in 2013, Culture East Sussex has had a number of successes including the production of a Culture Priority Pipeline, identifying projects that align to the priorities of the East Sussex Cultural Strategy, and attracting capital investment from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership to support ambitious projects such as the Charleston gallery spaces and the refurbishment of Eastbourne’s Devonshire Quarter.
More information about the work of Culture East Sussex and the board can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/business/support/economic-development/culture-east-sussex/culture-east-sussex-ces
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