Ben Borthwick, an independent curator and writer, is to join Plymouth Arts Centre in the new role of artistic director. Borthwick will take over from current executive director Kate Sparshatt while she is on long-term adoption leave.
Borthwick joins Plymouth Arts Centre during a period of transition and financial challenges. With a long-established background in sound art, Borthwick’s artistic remit will be to expand the centre’s art and film programme, increasing its reach through off-site public realm activity. In particular, he will direct Plymouth Arts Centre’s pivotal role in Mayflower 2020 – the 400th anniversary commemoration of the Mayflower’s voyage to America.
Formerly CEO and artistic director of Cardiff’s Artes Mundi (2010-2012) and assistant curator at Tate Modern (2003-2010), in his recent capacity as independent curator Borthwick has been working with the visual artists Andrea Büttner, Rosa Barba and Knut Asdam to develop new commissions and international touring projects.
Andrew Brewerton, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Plymouth Arts Centre said: “Ben brings energy and a wealth of experience, gained in national and international projects, to Plymouth Arts Centre and to the city-wide partnership agenda for the visual arts. We are very much looking forward to working with him on our artistic direction.”
Also on a-n.co.uk:
Cardiff Contemporary: big ambitions need long-term commitments – Ben Borthwick on Cardiff Contemporary and Wales’ contemporary art ecology
