Martin Sutherland, chief executive of Northampton’s Royal and Derngate and The Core at Corby Cube will leave his role in autumn 2018 to lead the team that will deliver UK City of Culture 2021 in Coventry.
Royal and Derngate’s chair Steve Edmonds said, “the board congratulates Martin on this wonderful new role. While I and my fellow board members are sad to see him go, we’e proud that his achievements in Northampton have been recognised nationally with this appointment.
“I have no doubt that he’ll bring the same passionate commitment to collaboration, creativity and inclusion that he has demonstrated here to Coventry in the coming years as the city prepares for 2021.”
Since joining Royal and Derngate in 2008, Sutherland has overseen the development of Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust which incorporates Royal and Derngate, the Errol Flynn Filmhouse and The Core at Corby Cube.
Gary Tait, chair of The Core at Corby Cube, added, “Martin was instrumental in creating the vision for and launching The Core. His continued involvement has helped it to surpass all expectations in its first eight years. Martin’s positive influence will be felt for years to come.”
Sutherland said, “my time in Northamptonshire has been the most professionally rewarding period of my career. The arts operate in a challenging climate and our Northampton and Corby venues are no exception. However, I have always enjoyed and appreciated the support of a group of passionate board members in whose safe hands our venues will continue to flourish.
“Thanks and admiration are also due to the remarkable team with which it has been an honour to work. Northamptonshire has been so good to me and I will miss all those people who do so much to make it better for everyone.”