Key appointment to boost Derby’s creative and cultural offer

A key appointment has been made to help raise Derby’s profile as a creative and cultural city.

Alix Manning-Jones will head up Culture Derby – a new strategic development agency – to drive the growth and impact of 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 Alix, 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.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Alix as director of Culture Derby.

“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.”

Alix 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, she has worked at Derby City Council spearheading the city’s Family Hubs programme.

She said: “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.”

Artcore chief executive 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) and head of civic and communities at the 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.”