Latest News | 19 August 2021
QUAD chief appointed to lead Derby’s UK City of Culture bid
The boss of QUAD – Derby’s arts and multi-media centre – has been appointed to lead the city’s bid to become the UK City of Culture.
Both QUAD and Derby City Council have announced that Adam Buss has been appointed as interim bid director, heading the city’s quest to be named UK City of Culture 2025.
In his new role, he will aim to maximise the opportunities to bring the city together and create a platform for development, no matter what the outcome of the 2025 shortlisting is.
Adam said: “This is an incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity to support Derby’s bid for UK City of Culture.
“I feel privileged to have this opportunity and utilise the networks I have developed throughout my time in Derby to show that Team Derby is ready and well placed to show the world the great things that can happen here.
Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “We have a lot of talent in Derby and we are delighted that Adam will be taking on this new role and lead the Derby’s bid for City of Culture.”
As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, site of the world’s first factory and a leader of the English enlightenment, Derby is a city that has always had creativity and innovation at its heart, sparking new ideas and developing pioneering technologies.
The City of Culture bid will pay tribute to the past but build excitement and confidence for the future.
Adam said: “It is my job to amplify the voices that are not always heard, to ensure our bid is inclusive, future thinking and builds on Derby’s heritage of incredible creativity.”
Councillor Poulter said: “The team will be working in partnership with artists and organisations inside and outside of Derby to put forward a fantastic bid that shows off our great heritage and vibrant future.”
Brian Walsh OBE, chairman of QUAD, said: “QUAD is very supportive of this opportunity for Adam as it is in recognition of the work he has done to place arts and culture at the heart of developing Derby as a great place to live, work and visit.
“Adam has worked tirelessly at QUAD during his 14 years here and although he will be missed during this time we will, of course, continue to work closely together.
“Derby has never been in a better position to become a city of culture and Adam’s leadership will ensure we make the most of the opportunities presented whether we win the bid or not.”
According to the city council, the bid team has already received a large number of positive letters supporting the bid.
As part of Derby’s expression of interest over a hundred organisations, artists and cultural leaders have written in support of Derby’s bid.
Meanwhile, QUAD has launched a search for an interim chief executive.
It is now accepting applications from potential candidates, the deadline for which is Monday 23 August.
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