Camden Arts Centre has appointed Martin Clark, currently director of Bergen Kunsthall in Norway, as its new director. He will replace longstanding director Jenni Lomax who is stepping down after 27 years as the organisation’s head.
Clark joined Bergen Kunsthall in 2013 and before moving to Norway worked as artistic director of Tate St Ives. From 2004-2007 he was curator at Arnolfini gallery, Bristol. More recently, he was artistic director of the Art Sheffield 2016 festival.
On his new role at Camden, Clark said: “Jenni Lomax leaves an extraordinary legacy, not just in terms of the quality and reputation of the exhibition programme, but also her work transforming the way we think about education, audiences, and supporting art and artists at every level.
“I’m very excited to build on those values and that vision, which feels more vital and relevant than ever.”
Lomax announced last November that she would be stepping down as director at the north London venue. Commenting on Clark’s appointment, she said: “I am delighted that Martin has been appointed as my successor.
“It is evident from his impressive track record at Tate St Ives and at Bergen Kunsthall that his approach to working with artists and to education is perfectly in tune with the ethos of Camden Arts Centre. I shall look forward to handing over the reins to Martin and to seeing him build on the legacy to take this very special institution on into the future.”
Speaking to a-n News earlier this year, Lomax said of her time at Camden Arts Centre that she was “very proud of having created a programme that is valued for its artistic integrity and a place that people feel happy and at home in.”
Asked if she had any words of advice for her successor, she said: “To enjoy it… What has kept me motivated all this time has been to hold on to what I like doing best and that is forming and shaping the exhibition programme, working with the artists to hang and install their work, and then taking time to be with the exhibitions and the public when they come to visit.
“A new director will have different strengths and passions – but whatever those are they should keep them in sight.”
Clark will take up his new role in September.
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A Q&A with… Jenni Lomax, outgoing director of Camden Arts Centre
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