Jenny Rutter appointed chair of Creative Lancashire

Creative Lancashire has appointed Jenny Rutter, who was instrumental in founding the organisation, as its new chairman.

She replaces businessman and sculptor Charles Hadcock who held the role for 15 years.

Jenny is a producer with two decades' experience supporting and developing creative practice in the north west. Her career has included local government regeneration, creative industries and professional development roles as well as managing and producing a wide variety of creative industry and arts programmes, including major festivals and events.

She is also a founding board member of the Lancashire 2025 City of Culture bid company and delivered the first dedicated Creative Industry development programme in Preston.

She has most recently been working with two Arts Council England Creative People and Places programmes: LeftCoast in Blackpool and Super Slow Way in Pennine Lancashire. She co-developed the first British Textile Biennial, which invites artists, designers and makers to explore the politics of cloth in performances, artworks and events across Pennine Lancashire.

Jenny also manages Super Slow Way’s three-year programme of commissions and residencies working with communities, partners and heritage assets along their 20 mile stretch of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

Jenny said: "The creative sector has always been very agile and flexible, adapting quickly to meet new challenges. And the current challenge from Coronavirus is one affecting businesses and creative practitioners right across the globe.

"We'll be working to support our whole creative sector during this time, while also reminding partners and businesses of the importance of creativity and design in helping to open up new opportunities and bring something new to the table."

Creative Lancashire is a service provided by Lancashire County Council, through its economic development company Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL). 

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