Yorkshire Sculpture Park appoints chief executive

West Yorkshire-based cultural organisation Yorkshire Sculpture Park has appointed Joe Hill as director and chief executive as it prepares for its next phase of growth ahead of its 50th anniversary.

Joe will take up the role in April, leading the organisation’s artistic and strategic direction across its 500-acre parkland site in West Bretton. 

He joins from Towner Eastbourne, where he has served as director and chief executive for eight years, overseeing significant artistic growth, national recognition and major capital development projects.

Originally from Yorkshire, Joe brings extensive experience leading cultural institutions through periods of transformation and expansion. 

In his new role, he will guide Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s future development as an international centre for sculpture, commissioning, learning and research.

Joe said: “Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a place I have admired for a long time for its ambition, generosity and deep connection to artists and landscape. 

“I am thrilled to be joining as director and chief executiv, and look forward to working with the team to ensure YSP continues to grow as a truly global destination for sculpture, while remaining deeply rooted in Yorkshire and the communities and landscape that make it so distinctive. 

“I’m excited to build on YSP’s remarkable artistic programme and to strengthen its long-term resilience, ensuring it continues to support artists and welcome audiences in ever more inspiring ways.”  

Peter Clegg, chair of the trustees, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, added: “On behalf of YSP’s trustees I am delighted to welcome Joe Hill as our new director and chief executive. 

“We went through an exhaustive process alongside our senior leadership team and chose Joe unanimously from an exciting longlist of applicants. 

“Joe has completely transformed Towner Eastbourne into the centre for creative arts across the region that it is now, and has initiated a new cultural and educational centre for landscape and the arts in the South Downs National Park. ” 

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a leading international cultural destination, showcasing modern and contemporary sculpture across outdoor landscapes, galleries and award-winning visitor facilities.

Pete Massey, director Yorkshire and the Humber, Arts Council England, added: “We‘re delighted to hear that Joe Hill will be joining Yorkshire Sculpture Park as director and chief executive in April. 

“His significant leadership experience and artistic vision will be invaluable as the organisation celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. 

“We look forward to working with him on this new chapter for one of the country’s leading cultural destinations.”  

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