Metal appoints new Artistic Director and CEO

Arts organisation Metal is welcoming new Artistic Director and CEO SUSIE THORNBERRY.

The announcement comes following the departure of COLETTE BAILEY, who spent 20 years in the role. 

With her roots in theatre, public arts and festivals, Thornberry has previously held roles with Artichoke and The Gate Theatre. She is a trustee of Battersea Arts Centre and Commissioner of Historic England. 

Thornberry joins Metal from Imperial War Museums (IWM), where she led public engagement and learning. During her tenure at IWM, she led a programme that aimed to share the human impact of conflict, including an artwork about nuclear and climate threat and the UK’s first Syrian death metal performance. 

“I’m excited to join Metal Culture at this pivotal moment in its history. Metal encourages wild experimentation, values diversity, brings people and ideas together, and tries to share joy through art,” Thornberry commented. 

JUDE KELLY CBE, Founder and Co-Chair of Metal, said the organisation was founded with the aim to support artists and communities to work together creatively. It currently provides development opportunities – including workshops, publications, commissions, performances, talks and festivals – in Southend on Sea, Liverpool and Peterborough. 

“Susie arrives with a heartfelt commitment to our values and mission, and a powerful set of skills and experiences that make her an ideal person to lead us forward into the next decade,” Kelly added. 

"It’s a challenging time for the UK, and so it’s fantastic that Metal has such a determined and creative person at the helm.”