New chairman for Baltic

Nov 10 2009 by David Whetstone, The Journal

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art has a new chairman - Peter Buchan, chief executive of Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture.

Mr Buchan has been acting chairman of the Gateshead institution since Sir Ian Wrigglesworth stepped down in July after four years in the post.

His appointment was approved unanimously by his fellow board members.

Mr Buchan became a director of Ryder Architecture in 1984 and, as chief executive, recently oversaw the development of the new Newcastle City Library.

Godfrey Worsdale, Baltic director, said he was delighted with the appointment.

“Since my arrival as director a year ago, Peter has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the organisation and has been a constant source of well considered advice,” he said.

“Peter’s accomplishments, both as a creative professional and a highly respected businessman, make clear the invaluable credentials he will be able to bring to the role.”

Coun Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, said his “wealth of expertise, creativity, vision and leadership” would “enhance the prestige of Baltic and its world-wide reputation”.

Mr Buchan was photographed at Baltic with Mr Worsdale and Laurence Sillars, who took up his post last week as the new chief curator at Baltic, having spent the last five years at Tate Liverpool as curator of exhibitions and collections.

Mark Robinson, executive director, Arts Council England, North East, said: “Baltic has become established as an outstanding place for audiences to experience some of the most exciting art from all over the world and I am sure the appointment of Peter Buchan as chairman and Laurence Sillars as chief curator will contribute greatly to this ongoing success.”