Coventry appoints ‘dream team’ for 2021

Key City of Culture voices in Coventry have welcomed the appointment of a chief executive to run the 2021 event.

Martin Sutherland is the new ceo and executive director of the Coventry City of Culture Trust and he will work alongside Chenine Bhathena the Creative Director.

Commenting on the appointment, Professor Judith Mossman, Coventry University Pro-Vice Chancellor for Arts and Humanities said: ” We are delighted that Martin joins Chenine and that they will working together to to make 2021 a truly memorable year. Martin brings great experience of ensuring that culture has wider benefits for the community and that was a massive strand of our bid.He will help to break down barriers to making culture more accessible for all.”

Mossman added: “Coventry University has always been, and continues to be, at the forefront of this exciting endeavour, and we look forward to continuing our work together with our partners to fulfil the promise of the City of Culture and the Coventry cultural strategy.”

Support for Sutherland’s appointment also comes from the University of Warwick, whose Director of Cultural Partnerships, Jonathan Neelands said: ” The University of Warwick welcomes Martin to the position of executive director for Coventry City of Culture for 2021 and will work with Martin and Chenine to ensure that the year and its legacy transforms the cultural, social and economic future of the city.”

Janet Vaughan of Talking Birds, a local arts production company agreed: ” I think the appointment of Martin as executive director and ceo of Coventry 2021 is really exciting, particularly in combination with the appointment of Chenine – what a dream team.”