MARGATE.- Turner Contemporary has fast become one of the leading galleries in the UK. In April 2016, the gallery enters its fifth year. With this new chapter in the gallery’s history, Turner Contemporary also welcomes a new Chair.
In December 2015, Stephen Sunnucks will join the organisation, following John Kampfner’s excellent seven and a half year leadership.
Turner Contemporary has experienced unprecedented success in its short history. Since opening in 2011, the gallery has welcomed nearly 1.8 million visits, contributed over £41 million into the local economy through tourism and inward investment, and has engaged over 100,000 people with its learning programme and activities.
Through its work, the gallery has demonstrated the power of art to transform people and places, leading the vital regeneration of Margate, this summer heralded as a hotspot by The Guardian.
The gallery has gone from strength to strength, with exceptional visit figures and innovative projects that create deep engagement with its audiences. Despite funding cuts, the gallery has experienced record visitor numbers this summer, welcomed HRH Duchess of Cambridge in spring, and the iconic building has been named a 21st Century landmark by British Airways.
Under John Kampfner’s leadership with Director Victoria Pomery OBE, the gallery has grown from a visual arts organisation with no permanent building, to one of the most impressive and distinctive galleries on the national and international cultural landscape, and has created confidence in East Kent and made a significant economic impact.
John Kampfner says: “It has been one of my life's joys to have helped preside over the amazing success of Turner Contemporary. From a standing start, Margate, East Kent and the wider UK can be proud of one of the country's most successful art galleries. After seven and a half years, however, it is time to move on, and I'm delighted to be succeeded as Chair by Stephen, who has all the skills required to take the organisation onto a new level. I wish him all the best in one of the most exciting positions in the British art world.”
The gallery has exciting plans to celebrate its fifth year, and looks forward to entering this next phase of its development with the energy and expertise Stephen will bring.
Stephen Sunnucks says: “I am delighted to have been appointed the new Chair of Turner Contemporary. The gallery has experienced phenomenal success in its first 5 years. To be joining at this exciting time in the gallery's history is a real honour. I will be bringing my 35 year retail experience heading up some of the most successful global brands, to spearhead this new era in the gallery's history, providing entrepreneurial leadership and expertise to widen the organisation's impact. I’m hugely impressed with the achievement of trustees, staff and stakeholders and relish the opportunity of working with such an excellent team.”
