Two key appointments to be made by Coventry City of Culture Trust

The organisation behind Coventry’s successful bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021 will make two key appointments before April next year as it starts the build up to its year in the spotlight.

The Coventry City of Culture Trust is recruiting nationally for an Executive Director and a Creative Director as it gears the city up for its historic year in 2021. Laura McMillan, the Trust Manager, will be Operations Director for the year.

In total, the Trust will grow to 45 staff by 2021 as Coventry prepares to deliver on the plans it set out in its bid to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that saw the city land the prestigious title during a live TV announcement in Hull.

David Burbidge CBE, Coventry City of Culture Trust Chairman, said: “Coventry is in a great place after the historic decision to award us UK City of Culture 2021.

“Well over 100 businesses backed the bid to be UK City of Culture as well as support from Coventry City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, local authorities in Warwickshire and the two universities – which has been and will be vital.

“We have significant pledges from Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, 29th May Trust and £500,000 from Coventry Building Society who have recognised what the title will bring to the city and its sponsors.

“The team did a wonderful job to land the prize but now we need to start preparing for the planning and delivery of 2021.

“The Executive Director and the Creative Director are going to be key roles for Coventry City of Culture Trust and we are now looking right across the UK for people with experience and energy to help us make 2021 and the years before it truly memorable.

“We are learning a great deal from Hull – but 2021 will be Coventry’s City of Culture year and we will put on a show that only Coventry could and everyone we appoint will buy into that idea.”

That support for the bid is expected to be a major attraction to potential applicants. Sue Hoyle OBE, a former Director of the Clore Leadership Programme, will provide advice to the Trust on the recruitment process.

Erica Whyman, Deputy Director at the RSC, will advise Coventry City of Culture Trust on the appointments alongside Bid Adviser Andrew Dixon.

Erica said: “These are hugely attractive jobs as Coventry takes its place on the national stage. Whoever takes on these roles will inherit a fantastic set of partnerships and strong foundations laid by the existing bid team. This is an opportunity to make great cultural events in the context of a diverse modern city with a strong commitment to engaging communities.”

Coventry City Council leader George Duggins said: “The bid has brought the city to life and the feedback from Coventry people has been immensely positive which is great because 2021 will be their year. The team has the full backing of the city and all partner organisations.”

Erica Whyman, of the RSC, and Rashid Bhayat, of Positive Youth Foundation, are to join the Trust’s board.

Applications should be sent to recruitment@coventry2021.co.uk by March 2, 2018 and should include an up-to-date CV and covering letter.