Coventry City of Culture Trust has appointed seven new trustees who will help to drive the delivery of the 2021 programme and shape the future of the organisation and the legacy that being UK City of Culture leaves on the city and region.
The individuals, who have strong links to the city, bring a vast array of skills, experience and expertise to the Trust, from a range of professional and business careers as well as a diversity of background.
They will work with the current trustees and the senior management team at the Trust as they prepare for the programme to start in May 2021 and run through to May 2022.
The new trustees – Olubunmi Adenegan, Baljit Dhadda, Sunny Dhillon, Kuljinder Khaila, Kumar Muthalaggapan, Seyedeh Naseriniaki, and Upinder Pokhriyal – will also contribute to the Trust’s legacy plans beyond 2022 to ensure being UK City of Culture makes a lasting, positive difference culturally, socially and economically.
The Trust worked with Clore Leadership – a national leader in professional training and personal development in the cultural and creative sectors – to oversee the application process, to help identify and appoint the new trustees.
David Burbidge CBE DL, Chairman of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “We have achieved so much since we set out on our journey to become UK City of Culture back in 2015. Now, despite the most difficult circumstances, the moment has nearly arrived.
“That is why I am so pleased to welcome our new trustees, and for them to begin working with our existing board, who have done such an amazing job in getting us to where we are today.
“They all have links to Coventry, have very impressive backgrounds and all have a passion for delivering an amazing year and a legacy to match.”
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “This is a crucial stage for the city and for the Trust as the start of our year approaches.
“Our new trustees bring such a diversity of skills, talent, and experience. They will play a crucial role as we deliver the programme and on the legacy promises we have made to the city.”