(L to R) Janine Crombie (Development and Communications Director), Joanne Norman (Finance and Operations Director), Marianne Lewsley-Stier (Creative Director). They stand outside, all laughing. They are in focus and the background is blurred.

(L to R) Janine Crombie (Development and Communications Director), Joanne Norman (Finance and Operations Director), Marianne Lewsley-Stier (Creative Director)

Photo: Tom Arran

Changing Faces

Absolutely Cultured announces Co-Directorship

Ruth Hogarth
2 min read

Hull-based arts organisation Absolutely Cultured has announced a three-way leadership model featuring MARIANNE LEWSLEY-STIER, JANINE CROMBIE and JOANNE NORMAN, commencing in April.

Absolutely Cultured evolved from Hull’s stint as City of Culture in 2017 and aims to develop the region's cultural opportunities. It is part of Arts Council England’s new national portfolio for the first time.

The co-directors will share executive responsibility previously held by CEO and Artistic Director STEPHEN MUNN, and lead on their own area of expertise.

Crombie joined the organisation in 2018 from Barnados, where she was Head of Product Marketing and Innovation. She will be Absolutely Cultured's new Development Director, leading on partnerships and income generation, communications, business planning, evaluation, and staff development. 

Norman will step up as Finance and Operations Director following her appointment as Head of Finance in 2019. She will be accountable for the charity’s commercial activity, governance, HR and IT. 

Lewsley-Stier joined Absolutely Cultured last year from the University of Hull, where she worked for nearly a decade. Moving from her previous position of Head of Creative Programme and Curator, she will now stand as Creative Director.

In this role, she will be responsible for overseeing exhibitions, performances and community projects, alongside working with the organisations wider curatorial team to lead the cultural programme. 

“We are passionate about providing opportunities for artists, creating meaningful experiences for audiences, and programming accessible and inclusive cultural spaces for learning, dialogue and inspiration,” Lewsley-Stier commented.