CEO of The Box Plymouth joins our Bristol forum this January 2024

Above: The Box, Plymouth (One Plymouth / Plymouth City Council)

Future Cities Forum is delighted that CEO of The Box, Plymouth, Victoria Pomery, will be speaking at our 'Innovation Cities' event at Arnolfini Arts in Bristol this January 2024.

The discussion event will look at innovation taking place in the South West, including that in both the arts and sciences. How will the cities of Bristol and Plymouth develop both in terms of investment, development of districts and place to attract international talent, provide office space and ensure affordable homes for residents and support workers?

The Box is the UK’s most significant cultural development of recent years and the largest multi-disciplinary arts and heritage space in the South West. Its innovative design has transformed three historic city centre buildings to create a cutting-edge, interactive cultural centre with 13 new galleries and exhibition spaces and a striking ‘archive in the sky’.

With major investment from Plymouth City Council, Arts Council England and National Heritage Lottery Fund, The Box is an important hub for education and learning and a major new cultural attraction for the city, as well as home to six nationally important collections.

The venue’s critically acclaimed opening programme, including works by internationally renowned artists Antony Gormley, Leonor Antunes and Christopher Baker, set the tone for Plymouth’s ambition as an important new centre for historic and contemporary art.

Victoria Pomery stepped down as Director of Turner Contemporary after 19 years in post and the gallery’s first 10 years of operation. Pomery oversaw the capital project which delivered the recognisable David Chipperfield building on Margate seafront. She was awarded an OBE for her services to the arts in 2012 and an Honorary Doctorate from University of Kent in 2020. She has led an internationally renowned programme of exhibitions and commissions which have gained high profile press coverage, establishing a creative and exciting reputation for Turner Contemporary.

Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth Conservative Group, said: “It was a huge achievement to launch The Box in the middle of a global pandemic and visitors’ early reactions are extremely positive. With Victoria’s success using culture as a catalyst for place-based regeneration, driving economic growth, raising aspirations and improving community cohesion, we are incredibly excited that she will take The Box forward as a centre for creativity and a major cultural attraction for Plymouth and the South West.”

Mike Hill, Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, Kent County Council said: “The founding aspiration for Turner Contemporary was to bring transformational benefits to Margate and East Kent. This has been successfully achieved. We now have a world class venue on our doorstep and the gallery has delivered significant economic and social value for Kent, proving that art and creativity can inspire change. It has connected and engaged with the local community in enriching and powerful ways. Victoria’s creativity and steadfast commitment to the success of the gallery has been key to its success. We wish her well on her new important appointment and look forward to the next exciting phase of Turner Contemporary.”

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth Labour Group, said: “Victoria’s passion for connecting local communities with culture will allow us to build on The Box’s early success and ensure local audiences and visitors take the venue to their heart. Her impressive track record in working with contemporary artists of international renown fits perfectly with the city’s ambitions.”