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Towner’s Director CEO Joe Hill has announced that he is leaving Towner in the spring after eight years, to take up a new role as Director and Chief Executive of Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP). 

Under Hill’s leadership, Towner’s impact locally, regionally, and nationally has been exceptional. During his tenure, the gallery won Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2020, hosted the Turner Prize in 2023, and secured funding for a major capital project to create a new arts, environment and heritage centre at Black Robin Farm on the South Downs. Audiences grew significantly under Hill’s leadership to more than 200k visitors annually. 

Hill leaves Towner in a strong position, with key next chapters including the gallery’s ambitious new site, Towner Seven Sisters at Black Robin Farm, which will connect audiences with the unique culture and heritage of the South Downs. 

In a letter to Towner’s stakeholders and supporters, Hill said: “Winning Museum of the Year, hosting the Turner Prize, growing audiences, developing new income streams, and continuing to put artists and communities at the centre of what we do have been personal highlights over the eight years. It has been hugely rewarding watching Towner’s impact grow locally, regionally and nationally…I’m leaving knowing that the organisation is in a really strong position and with an exciting future ahead. The potential at Black Robin Farm to connect people with the unique Downlands culture and heritage, and the growing presence and ambition in Newhaven feel like powerful next chapters, and I can’t wait to watch how these projects develop and how the organisation continues to evolve and thrive.”

Towner’s Deputy Director Niamh Pearce and Director of Development Clare Dobson will act as Interim Co-Directors following Hill’s departure in April. The pair are already working closely together with Hill and with the Board to make sure the team is fully supported through this change, and will continue to steer the organisation to deliver its ambitious strategy.

Hill said: “Niamh and Clare both know the organisation inside out, and between them bring a brilliant mix of operational leadership, strategic thinking, and deep relationships across our partners and supporters.”

Towner’s Chair Stephen Welton said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Joe for his vision, dedication and leadership over the past eight years. The impact of his tenure has been exceptional - not only for Towner, but for Eastbourne and the wider county - and he will be greatly missed both personally and professionally.

We are delighted that Niamh and Clare will step into the roles of Interim Co-Directors this spring. Deeply embedded across all levels of the organisation, they bring continuity at a pivotal moment, alongside their own drive, leadership and energy. As we look ahead to immediate priorities, including our ambitious 2026 exhibition programme, we are also focused on new opportunities to build on our vital work with audiences and communities in Eastbourne, extend this approach in Newhaven, and realise the enormous potential of our new site at Black Robin Farm.

One of the reasons I was so keen to join Towner is my belief in the need for a new kind of forward thinking arts organisation, something Towner so clearly embodies. With an exceptional team, a strong and refreshed Board of Trustees and the continued support of our President David Dimbleby, Eastbourne Borough Council, Arts Council England and our many stakeholders, funders and supporters, Joe leaves Towner in a very strong position, ready to embark on the next exciting chapter shaped by his vision.”

Hill leaves Towner in early April and assumes full responsibility at YSP from 14 April. His appointment marks the organisation entering a pivotal phase looking ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2027. Set within 500 acres of historic parkland in West Bretton, West Yorkshire, YSP has established itself as a leading international cultural destination, renowned for its pioneering approach to sculpture and site-responsive practice.  

Hill was appointed following a highly competitive recruitment process and as Director and Chief Executive, he will lead YSP’s next phase of artistic and strategic growth, advancing its role as a centre for commissioning, learning and research; strengthening its long-term vision across its outdoor landscape, several distinctive indoor galleries and award-winning visitor facilities.