Yorkshire Sculpture Park director steps down

CLARE LILLEY has stepped down as director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP).

Lilley, director of the park since 2022, has spent over three decades with the organisation in roles also including director of programme.

A statement released by the park says Lilley has worked to diversify its collection, secure major acquisitions and expand the reach and resonance of the YSP programme.

During her tenure as director, Lilley was responsible for steering the organisation through the post-Covid period and oversaw financial reforms and structural changes that have helped to stabilise the park, including instigating a governance review.

Lilley is said to have left the organisation to pursue other global opportunities. Her work outside the park has included a decade-long tenure as curator of Frieze Sculpture, alongside curatorial work at the Venice Biennale.

“I’ve been privileged to spend a significant part of my career at YSP and will greatly miss the brilliant people with whom it’s been my good fortune to work,” Lilley said.

“Their brilliance, dedication, and creativity have shaped a place that is cherished by generations of visitors.”

YSP’s trustees have begun the process of recruiting a new director with deputy director KEVIN RODD appointed interim director while the process is ongoing.

“Clare’s tenure has been marked by exceptional curatorial skills, which brought both new audiences and new artists to YSP,” said chair of trustees PETER CLEGG.

“She leaves a lasting legacy at YSP, not least from the passion and dedication she brought to her role.”