Former SDLP Mayor to chair culture company

Martin Bradley MBE, Chair of the Derry Theatre Trust, Head of Health and Social Care Pension Services and an SDLP Mayor for the city in 1997 has been appointed Chair of Culture Company 2013.

Mr Bradley, is said to have extensive connections with the arts community in the city and wider region.

He is currently Chairman of Ormeau Baths Gallery and Craft Northern Ireland. He was awarded an MBE in December 2007 for services to the arts in Northern Ireland.

Mr Bradley said: “I am honoured to have been asked to take on this role. I hope to build upon the excellent foundations that the City of Culture team and interim Board have laid as we prepare for 2013.

“I am immensely proud of this city. I hope to be able to raise awareness of the amazing contribution we are making and also ensure that there will be a lasting legacy for all.

“We are punching well above our weight in talent and I look forward to helping ensure that we are showcased on an international stage and indeed accessible for the rest of the world to visit. We have much to do and much to look forward to.”

Mr Bradley will take up this role in March, succeeding Declan McGonagle who has been interim chair and a driving force behind the city’s successful bid for UK City of Culture 2013.

Mr McGonagle will continue to be involved closely in the City of Culture process. Welcoming the appointment he said:

“I have very much enjoyed my time as Interim Chairperson of the Culture Company but I feel it is very important that the Chair should be living and working in the city which I am not. I am happy that the ground work is now in place for a new Chair and Board to develop further towards 2013 and beyond and delighted to be handing over the reins to Martin who has excellent credentials for the job.”

Rosalie Flanagan, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, who headed the panel that made the decision to appoint Mr Bradley said: “We are already seeing a physical transformation take place in the city, and a huge burst of confidence and increased profile across the whole region.

“There is a challenging job to prepare for 2013 and the Chair has a vital job to ensure that the lives of all who live, work and visit the city will be enriched. I am confident that Martin will bring the leadership and organisational skills to make this happen.”