New Chair appointed to lead Hull's Culture Company

Leading cultural specialist Lee Corner has been appointed as the new Chair of the Culture Company, set up to deliver the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 programme.

Lee has a long track record of working in the arts and third sector and takes over from Rosie Millard OBE, who steps down formally on 20 March 2018.

Lee will have a key role in driving forward the strategic vision of Culture Company, which is continuing as part of wider legacy plans following the success of Hull's tenure as UK City of Culture. Working closely with the recently appointed Creative Director Katy Fuller and Executive Director Emma Morris, one Lee's first tasks will be to recruit new members to the Board of the organisation.

Lee Corner commented: "What Hull has done with UK City of Culture has exceeded everyone's expectations, which is something to be immensely proud of. The opportunity to Chair the Board of Hull 2017 as a new company building on the best of 2017, cementing Hull's reputation as a centre for culture and creativity, and growing an agency specialising in culture and cities is irresistible.

"I see my role as being an inspiring and articulate leader, who will provide the support that the Creative Director, Executive Director and their team at Hull 2017 need to take forwards the vision of a significant arts company based in the city."

Lee has substantial expertise of helping the development of organisations both large and small, particularly within the arts, across the UK and internationally.

A specialist in the governance of third sector organisations, leading Board Development and Review workshops for companies across the UK, Lee has an established relationship with Hull, including working with Hull 2017, Hull Truck Theatre, Freedom Festival, Middle Child and Hull Time Based Arts.

She has held a number of senior voluntary positions including, as Chair of The Media Centre, Kirklees; a founder Director of the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills; and a member of the Creative Industries Advisory Panel of the British Council. She is currently a member of the Arts Council's North Area Council.

Internationally, Lee has been an advisor to the Performing Arts Environment Forum in Japan for over ten years. She also designed and delivered the first Professional Diploma in Creative Entrepreneurship in Singapore; the Creative Future School for Creative Entrepreneurs in India; a programme of support for Nigeria's creative entrepreneurs; and 'Survival Skills' for artists in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. For the British Council, Lee has worked on development programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa, Oman, Qatar and Russia.

Since 2013 Lee has designed and delivered creative management and professional practice courses for undergraduate and post graduate students in the Department of Art, Design and Architecture at the University of Huddersfield.

Rosie Millard OBE said: "I have had the most incredible time as Chair of Hull 2017, a personally life-changing experience I will never forget. Lee has unparalleled experience of working in the arts and is a strong advocate for artists and cultural organisations. As the new Chair she is going to be a powerful asset for the company and for the city. It is important for Hull 2017 and for the city to have new energy and ideas