New Culture Derby director appointed

The new director of Culture Derby has pledged to work with communities to raise Derby’s profile as a creative and cultural city.

Alix Manning-Jones will head up the new strategic development agency to drive the growth and impact of the Derby’s culture and creative sectors. Culture Derby will work alongside the sectors as an advocate and champion, building relationships and working to increase investment.

Funded by Arts Council England and Derby City Council for an initial two-year period, Culture Derby stems from the Derby Cultural Compact and the UK City of Culture 2025 bid. The Culture Derby Board will bring a wide range of professional skills and experience that is representative of the city, led by the director who will drive forward the plans and secure resources to achieve the project's goals.

Alix, who will take up her post at the beginning of April, said: “Culture Derby will create a vibrant city centre, with culture at the heart. We know that the arts are struggling nationally and locally, and it’s important that we support the cultural sector by maintaining their presence through Culture Derby. 

“I’m committed to delivering high quality, accessible and enjoyable experiences for everyone, to celebrate our city. This is a shared vision and we’ll be working closely with our communities, partners, and businesses. 

“To be able to reimagine culture in our city, we need to start with listening to our communities and young people and providing opportunities to help shape the programme. I hope to bring a fresh perspective and a new way of working in partnership across all sectors to bring Culture Derby to life. Our city needs a cultural beating heart and I’m really looking forward to making that happen.”

Alix has a strong background in the cultural sector. She started her career at the Royal Shakespeare Company and has worked in theatres across the country delivering and producing large-scale festival projects. In 2016 she was appointed as Derby’s Cultural Education Producer and then as Derby’s Opportunity Area Programme Manager, co-producing the This is Derby celebration in 2018. Most recently, Alix has worked at Derby City Council spearheading the city’s Family Hubs programme.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Alix as director of Culture Derby. Derby is a city that has always had creativity and innovation at its heart and we believe that every resident and visitor should benefit from the power that arts and culture have to change people’s lives for the better.

“It’s an exciting time in the city, as we look forward to the opening of Becketwell Live and Derby Market Hall. We’re on a mission to create a vibrant hub that celebrates culture and offers something for everyone and I’m excited to work with Culture Derby and our other partners to make that happen.”

Rebecca Blackman, Arts Council England’s Director of Engagement and Communities and Area Director for the Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alix Manning-Jones as Culture Derby’s new director, bringing a wealth of sector experience across the cultural sector, local government, and local communities in Derby.

“Culture Derby is an important new strategic development for Derby, and Alix’s extensive experience in creating collaborative partnerships across culture, education, health, business and the voluntary sector will be a great benefit to Culture Derby. We look forward to working with her.”

Artcore CEO Ruchita Shaikh was part of the interview panel for the director role. She said: “I am optimistic about the opportunities this new role will bring to the cultural sector in Derby. With fresh perspectives and dedicated support, I am confident that the new director will play a pivotal role in strengthening and enhancing our city's vibrant cultural landscape. I warmly welcome Alix on board and look forward to the positive impact their leadership will have on Derby’s cultural scene.”

Tony Butler OBE, Executive Director for Derby Museums, who was also on the interview panel, said: “I want to see culture permeate every area of public policy within our city, from public health to social care, from the environment and net zero, to education and skills. Alix’s great experience in working in the front line and strategically developing cultural programmes in Derby means the cultural sector will be more allied and be able to respond to the needs of the city. She will be a fantastic advocate and connector for culture.” 

Dr Rhiannon Jones, Associate Professor (Civic Practice). Head of Civic and Communities University of Derby said: “This is an exciting moment for the city, recognising the value of culture as a driver for change which is a key aspect of our Civic University Agreement. We welcome the announcement of Alix as the Culture Derby Director post holder; a role that is crucial and a critical opportunity to support the bold and exciting ambitions for both our communities and for Derby and beyond.”