Coventry Has a Cultural Dream Team; According to Artists and Academics
Coventry has a ‘dream team’ in place to lead the preparations and delivery of UK City of Culture 2021, according to artists and academics in the city.
Martin Sutherland was appointed as Executive Director and Chief Executive last week and will work with Creative Director Chenine Bhathena – as well as the existing team at the Coventry City of Culture Trust – to create a year to remember in 2021.
And the appointment has been welcomed by key figures involved in the bidding process to bring the title to Coventry who believe the city is now set to deliver what it set out to achieve by landing the prize.
Professor Judith Mossman, Coventry University Pro Vice-Chancellor for Arts and Humanities - and Coventry City of Culture Trustee: “We are delighted that Martin joins Chenine and that they will be working together to make 2021 a truly memorable year. Martin brings great experience of ensuring culture has wider benefits for the community and that was a massive strand of our bid. He will help to break down barriers to making culture more accessible for all.
“Coventry University has always been, and continues to be, at the forefront of this exciting endeavour, and we look forward to continuing to work together with our partners to fulfil the promise of City of Culture and the Coventry cultural strategy.”
Jonothan Neelands, Academic Director Cultural Partnerships at the University of Warwick, said: “The University of Warwick welcomes Martin to the position of Executive Director for Coventry City of Culture 2021 and will work with Martin and Chenine to ensure that the year and its legacy transforms the cultural, social and economic future of the city. Martin’s skills, experience and passion will be key to this success.”
While Janet Vaughan, of Talking Birds – a Coventry-based arts production company, believes he is the perfect fit for the city.
She said: “I think the appointment of Martin as Executive Director and Chief Executive of Coventry 2021 is really exciting, particularly in combination with the appointment of Chenine – what a dream team!
“It all bodes so well for a fantastic few years for the city. Martin has a wealth of experience across whole scale of different work – he understands the importance of truly embedding culture within communities, he has a real respect for artists and the transformative power of the arts, and he brings sound business skills, with a strong entrepreneurial streak. All this feels like the perfect fit for Coventry 2021!”
Pictured (left to right): Chenine Bhathena, David Burbidge, Laura McMillan and Martin Sutherland.
