The former chief execuitve of the Eden Project in Cornwall has joined the Creative Land Trust.
Gordon Seabright has stepped up to be chief executive of the organisation as it seeks to provide innovative solutions to address the loss of creative workspace in London.
The aim of the new charitable organisation, seed funded by the Mayor of London, Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, is to secure affordable workspace for artists in perpetuity. Some 17% of studio sace across the capital has been lost over the past three years.
The appointment comes as Sadiq Khan launches a £2.3m culture at risk business support fund that will provide cash for grassroots music venues, LGBTQ+ venues, artist workspaces and independent cinemas across the capital.
Creative Land Trust has set itself a target of securing 1,000 affordable workspaces and is on the hunt for its first property.
Justine Simones, deputy mayor for culture and the creative industrues, said: “The mayor and I helped to develop the Creative Land Trust to protect vital affordable workspaces in the capital, and just a year later its role is more important than ever as artists struggle with the impact of the coronavirus. At this challenging time, Gordon’s experience will be a real boost to the work of the trust. I look forward to working alongside him to provide valuable support to our creative sector now and in the future.”
Alexandra Notay and Catherine Webster, co-chairs of Creative Land Trust, said Seabright’s expertise in leadership and stakeholder management were key for taking the organisation to its next level.
Seabright said: “Art has the power to transform, and not just the lives of individuals, but the economic and cultural vibrancy of our city and the communities who live here. We have a clear mission to provide lasting access to studio space for London’s artists, a fantastic group of trustees and great support from our launch funders.”
At Eden, Seabright built the organisation’s first arts strategy, including the creation of gallery spaces for temporary exhibitions, the acquisition of permanent sculptural exhibits, and a programme of festivals and other events. Prior to the Eden Project he led the national cycling charity and Royal Horticultural Society. He has also held senior positions at English Heritage, WHSmith and Waterstones.
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