Sheffield Culture Collective has appointed Lord Bob Kerslake to oversee implementation of the organisation’s inaugural strategy and help drive investment and growth in the region’s cultural sector.
Lord Kerslake takes over from Dame Julie Kenny and will take up his new role in September.
Sheffield Culture Collective is a public private partnership which was formed in 2019 in response to a national enquiry into how cities can use culture to drive growth and create a stronger and fairer society.
It includes cultural, arts, civic and political leaders as well as senior figures from the regional business community.
Last month the Collective launched its first ever strategy for how culture can unlock Sheffield’s untapped economic and social potential.
In the strategy it spotlighted delivery of four pivotal arts projects which could become the north’s cultural crown jewels. These include the S1 Artspace at Park Hill, The Graves Gallery and Central Library, education and music partnership Harmony Works and Tinsley Art Project.
Lord Kerslake said: “I congratulate the Collective for the excellent work it has already done under Dame Julie Kenny’s leadership in creating its ground-breaking strategy.
“The task ahead is to move this to delivery. This will only be possible with a clear focus on the priorities and close collaboration across the partnership. It will predominately be about influencing leadership and powerful advocacy.
“I look forward to working with others to make the strategy a reality.”
Dame Julie added: “I am delighted that Lord Kerslake has been appointed as the next chair of the Collective.
“Lord Kerslake has extensive national and local connections and experience of delivering complex strategies. This will ensure that in Sheffield, we will be able to deliver culturally important projects in the future and level up investment in culture in our great city.
“Most importantly, we want to place culture and creativity at the heart of Sheffield’s future, allowing every individual and every community in Sheffield to thrive.”
The strategy details wide-ranging projects and outlines how culture can be an economic shot in the arm as we navigate beyond covid. The blueprint also charts how culture can become accessible to a new audience, support tourism, drive better health, education, community and individual wellbeing.
