Em Fitzgerald
East Bank, a multi-site cultural quarter in East London, has announced TAMSIN ACE as the organisation’s first Director.
Ace joins East Bank from the London College of Fashion (LCF) where she has been Head of Cultural Programming since 2021.
LCF is one of several arts and education institutions located in the East Bank cultural quarter, which opens to the public this autumn. Based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the initiative is the result of a £1.1bn investment and comprises V&A East, Sadler’s Wells East, University College London East and the new BBC Music studios.
Previously, Ace was Director of Creative Programmes and Collections at London’s Geffrye Museum of the Home. She also spent 12 years at Southbank Centre, departing as Head of Public Programming in 2019.
Ace described her appointment as an “absolute privilege”. She said: “The legacy of East Bank is one rooted in the diverse communities of East London and is a reflection of the creative spirit and the legacy of the 2012 Games.
“As the first Director of East Bank, I am committed to ensuring that London’s newest cultural quarter embodies this legacy by facilitating collaboration between cultural institutions, world-leading universities and the people of the Olympic boroughs.
“I look forward to working alongside the partners and neighbouring communities to inform and create moments and experiences that resonate, connect and are relevant on a local, national and international platform.”
She takes up the role this week alongside TIM REEVE, V&A Deputy Director and COO, who also joins the organisation as Chair of the East Bank Board.
Reeve said, “Out of a strong field, Tamsin stood out for her enthusiasm and impressive track record of creating innovative and entertaining creative programming.
“At such an exciting moment in the creation of East Bank, we are confident that Tamsin will lead the East Bank partnership in creating ever greater impact for our audiences, unlocking vital collaborations and creating innovative programming that highlights the creative energy that is at the heart of East London.”
East Bank represents the largest-ever investment in culture by the Mayor of London, with support from the government and the London boroughs of Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, JUSTINE SIMONS OBE, said she was “thrilled” at Ace’s appointment to East Bank, adding that she will “bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to lead this vital project into its next exciting phase."