We're looking for a new Chair of Trustees - Sunderland Culture
The organisation which helps run some of Sunderland’s biggest venues is looking for a new Chair of Trustees.
A recruitment drive is underway at Sunderland Culture after it was announced the current Chair, Jane Earl, is to step down.
Jane, who grew up in Sunderland before completing a successful career in local and national government, and the arts, was named Chair of the organisation in 2021.
Sunderland Culture was founded through a partnership between Sunderland City Council,University of Sunderland and Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust. It is both a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
Its mission is to ‘improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture’ and the organisation works across venues owned by its partners, including Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA), National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and Arts Centre Washington.
Looking back at her time as Chair, Jane said: “We’re proud to have contributed to the city’s cultural and economic regeneration over the last few years. We’ve seen the development of major new facilities such as The Fire Station, and supported the growth of new arts organisations, artists, and audiences.
“Our high-profile partnerships - with the National Theatre, Arts Council Collection, and the V&A, among others - have brought significant cultural richness to the city. Equally, we are proud to be the lead partner in Culture Start, Sunderland’s ground-breaking partnership of organisations who are committed to improving life chances for children and young people living in poverty.
“However, we’re also confident about what lies ahead,” added Jane.
She continued: “The next few years will provide opportunities to reshape the work of the organisation as we adapt to the University of Sunderland’s decision to close the National Glass Centre, Sunderland City Council’s redevelopment of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and the potential for the development of a new glass making space in Sunniside.
“The opening of Culture House, Sunderland’s status as a Music City and the growth and development of many new organisations in the city all provide opportunities for Sunderland Culture to continue to make our contribution.
“So there is so much more to come from the cultural sector in the city and now is the perfect time for me to step aside and let someone else Chair what is a vibrant, energetic and ambitious organisation working so hard to bring more cultural opportunities and activities to the city.”
Nick Malyan, Chief Executive of Sunderland Culture, said: “It’s a time of change, transition and opportunity, and our new Chair will play a massive part in the next phase of our development.
“As a current National Portfolio Organisation funded by Arts Council England, we are preparing the ground for a new bid for multi-year funding to sustain our work. Our Culture Start programme has established new collaborations and marked a return to large-scale, city-wide community delivery.
“While Glassworks: Sunderland, a £7.5m capital project, will establish a world-class facility for glassmaking, safeguarding the city’s 1,350-year glassmaking heritage while driving regeneration in the Sunniside creative quarter.”
Prospective Chairs must have proven senior leadership experience, a commitment to Sunderland Culture’s mission, a strong understanding of governance and charity law, excellent communications skills, and an ability to inspire confidence and command respect.