THE search for a new chairman of Baltic has begun after Sir Ian Wrigglesworth stood down at yesterday’s board meeting.

Sir Ian, a businessman and former MP, took the chair of the Gateshead Centre for Contemporary Art in January 2005, replacing founding chairman Alan J Smith.

Previously Sir Ian had been chairman of NewcastleGateshead Initiative where he was a figurehead in the European Capital of Culture bid.

Before yesterday’s meeting at Baltic, he said: “I think all the problems we’ve faced over the last four years have been resolved. The whole atmosphere in the place is better and staff relations are incredibly improved.

“We’ve had a complete financial restructuring and the finances are in good shape for two or three years to come.

“We also have an excellent firm of local caterers (Fresh Element) and a new director, Godfrey Worsdale, who has excellent management skills and artistic expertise.”

But Sir Ian said one challenge awaiting his successor was the need to diversify sources of income because of the inevitability of public spending cuts.

“We make £50,000-60,000 a year from public donations and about £1m on trading in the restaurants and shop and from other commercial activities, all of which is being extended.

“About 10% of our income comes from Gateshead Council and the rest from the Arts Council who have increased their grant and been marvellous in backing us.

“Our annual budget is about £5m but we do need to make ourselves, in my view, less dependent on the public sector and increase the income from trusts and charities, of which there are many in the arts area.” Sir Ian said his successor would also have to make Baltic’s role more clearly understood.

“I think we have an overwhelming responsibility to explain to people the role of the gallery.