New director to lead Centre for Cultural Value 

The Centre for Cultural Value, based at the University of Leeds, has appointed Dr STEPHEN DOBSON as Centre Director. He will take up the post in August, following BEN WALMSLEY's departure after five years in the post to become Dean of Cultural Engagement at the university.

Dobson is an Associate Professor of Creativity and Enterprise in the School of Performance and Cultural Industries at Leeds University researching subjects including cultural planning, the creative workplace and leadership for fostering innovation and creativity. 

Previously, he was a board member and UK representative for the European Academy of Management and a trustee of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

The Centre was established in 2019 to explore the value of the arts, culture, heritage and screen sectors and how they make a difference in people’s lives and society.

Walmsley said: “The Centre has rapidly become a trusted brand across the arts, cultural, heritage and screen sectors, and I’m excited to see what it achieves over the next few years under Steve’s leadership. I’m delighted to be staying on as Associate Director for Policy to continue the Centre’s work on data and policy engagement."

Dobson added: "The Centre for Cultural Value has now established itself as a significant national research centre working alongside cultural practitioners and organisations, academics, funders and policymakers to influence real change.

 “Joining the Centre family in delivering such invaluable support to the sector is an incredible privilege, and I look forward to supporting the whole team in shaping its future as it continues to spotlight why arts and culture matter.”