City Arts announce Suzannah Bedford as new Director

Nottingham charity City Arts has appointed Suzannah Bedford as its new CEO and Creative Director. The organisation has been inspiring creativity in Nottingham communities for over forty years.

As former Creative Director of regeneration charity The Renewal Trust, Suzannah brings a wealth of experience to the organisation. Her CV also includes stints as a Relationship Manager at Arts Council England and General Manager for both Talawa Theatre Company and Greenwich and Lewisham Young People’s Theatre.

She said of her appointment:

“I am thrilled at the prospect of working alongside such an established team, and the diverse groups that make up City Arts. As communities are likely to face even more challenges ahead, City Arts will play an increasingly important role in wellbeing, providing creative opportunities of the highest quality for all. We will continue to bring people together, ensuring that the voices of marginalised groups are heard and celebrated through the power of art. The role of Director presents many opportunities for arts and communities, for artists, and for Nottingham. I look forward to working in partnership to create an exciting and sustainable future for City Arts.”

City Arts exists to give everyone the chance to be creative by working with people and communities that are often overlooked and undervalued. Recent projects have opened up the arts to people with mental health issues, disabled people, refugee groups, and older people in care. Originally based in Hyson Green, City Arts now operates out of the Creative Quarter in Hockley.

Speaking on behalf of City Arts’ board, Interim Chair Norman Randall said:

“We are delighted to be welcoming Suzannah to this vital leadership role as we move into an exciting time of development for City Arts. She will be expanding the strategic thinking started by our previous CEO, Madeline Holmes, who moved on last July after a decade at the helm. Suzannah brings an impressive mix of expertise and experience which will benefit City Arts immensely. We wish her every success in her new post.”

Suzannah will take on the role at City Arts starting 6^th January 2020, leading a team of producers and arts professionals to bring creative opportunities to communities all over Nottinghamshire as well as in their own venue in Nottingham.