Creative Quarter names new interim CEO
Nottingham’s Creative Quarter Company has appointed Tamily Cookson as interim CEO, replacing Stephen Barker.
Previously programme and events manager for the company and its business support programme The Big House, Cookson has worked for the Creative Quarter since 2018.
She joined the Creative Quarter following a number of years working in the arts and education sector, including as events and office manager at Nottingham Contemporary, freelance event manager for CASE Europe, and head of events at Cilt – The National Centre for Languages.
Cookson said: “I’m absolutely thrilled! The opportunity to lead the Creative Quarter team through what we hope to be post-COVID recovery is very exciting. I’ve loved working for the organisation so far, and truly believe that the work we do is vital for the City of Nottingham. Acting as a catalyst for growth and development and working collaboratively are key for us; I very much look forward to strengthening connectivity within both the CDI sector and the businesses in the CQ geography, building stronger relationships and supporting those businesses where we are able.”
She added: “I will ensure that the Creative Quarter is an integral part of the conversations with Nottingham’s property developers, using the opportunity for collaboration in order to promote the city as the perfect place to live, learn, work and invest. The CQ will continue to contribute to critical agenda items for the whole city including the 2028 Carbon Neutral Action Plan, D2N2 Recovery & Growth Strategy 2020 – 2030, the Nottingham Economic Recovery and Renewal Plan and The Nottingham Project. We will also undertake a piece of research to better understand the issues facing CQ businesses as they emerge and begin recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, developing a greater understanding of how we can develop our support offer and best serve our community.”
Susan Hallam, chair of the Creative Quarter Board, said: “Tamily is an asset to the Creative Quarter; her knowledge of the organisation, her commitment to relationships with the creative and digital community, and her passion for realising the city’s potential makes her the perfect person to lead the company during this transitional period. The Creative Quarter board look forward to working collaboratively with her as she guides the organisation through its next steps.”
