New director of culture for Plymouth

The body responsible for driving Plymouth’s arts and cultural strategy has appointed a new leading role.

Dominic Jinks will be joining Plymouth’s Culture Board in June as its Executive Director.

Mr Jinks has over 15 years’ experience in the arts, with a strong background in theatre, and is currently Head of Arts and Culture at the University of Exeter. Before that he was Head of Resource Development at the Arts Council England and in his early career co-founded The British Touring Shakespeare Company. 

Mr Jinks said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to this exciting role for Plymouth and I very much look forward to working with the hugely talented cultural organisations and individuals across the city. To me, it is very clear to see how driven Plymouth is as a city and the importance that is placed around culture. I look forward eagerly to beginning this position and working collaboratively to improve the cultural offer in Plymouth.”

The Plymouth Culture Board was set up to provide strategic direction for cultural development across the city and to oversee the effective delivery of ‘The Vital Spark’ – a culture plan for Plymouth, developed in 2009.

Adrian Vinken, chair of the Board, said: “We had an exceptionally strong group of candidates to choose from and are delighted that, as a result, Dominic will be coming to Plymouth. We enlisted the help of local cultural organisations in the recruitment process who were able to meet candidates and put forward their challenges and suggestions. In the end we were unanimous that Dominic was the right choice for Plymouth and feel confident he will make a real difference in the city in years to come.”  

The Culture Board is made up of representatives from private sector businesses, the cultural industries, educational and cultural organisations as well as Plymouth City Council.

Professor David Coslett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth University and vice chair of the board, said: “Dominic has a wealth of experience in brokering investment in the arts and culture. He has that special combination of arts and cultural expertise, combined with business knowledge and charismatic leadership. He is fresh, focused and will drive forward cultural planning for the city.”

Councillor Peter Smith, Deputy Leader for the Council, said: “This is a key appointment for the city and we are confident that Dominic will forge ahead with plans to develop an exciting cultural offer for Plymouth. We’ve got some really big milestones coming up, most importantly Mayflower 2020, and we need to ensure we are prepared with events and activities that make Plymouth top of the list as a cultural destination.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, Arts Council England South West, said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Dominic. His leadership and experience in both the arts and cultural sectors will be a significant asset to the cultural life of Plymouth over the coming years.”

Mr Jinks will help ensure that Plymouth’s culture is at the heart of its development and regeneration plans. This will involve creating new events and opportunities, attracting funding and major investment to the city and leading plans for arts and cultural activities of local, national and international significance.