New Director for Torbay Culture

Torbay Culture has appointed a new Executive Director to deliver Torbay’s ten-year Cultural Strategy and Great Place Scheme programme. 

Martin Thomas will be leading a team of staff and freelance professionals to put Torbay on the map as a place for residents, visitors and tourists to experience cultural activity. 

Martin will take over in December from Kate Farmery who will be leaving at the end of November to take up a new role at The Box in Plymouth.

Martin Thomas said:

“Culture and creativity improves the quality of peoples’ lives. Being appointed to this role is a privilege; it is a chance to contribute to the ambitions for this special place which has long been my home. I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues in Torbay Culture, TDA, and across the Bay to build on their exceptional work.”

Torbay’s Cultural Strategy, Enjoy, talk, do, be, covers the ten years up to 2024 and aims to increase engagement in cultural activities, maximise Torbay’s distinctive natural & built environment, and ensure that culture contributes to social and economic development. As part of this strategy, Torbay Culture has attracted significant funding from Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, The Health Foundation, and other sources. 

Martin has previously worked for the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Exeter Cultural Partnership, and a range of clients as a freelance consultant. 

Alan Denby, Director of Economic Strategy for TDA said:

“Martin joins us at an exciting time for culture in Torbay, and we’re delighted to welcome him. We look forward to seeing how he develops the work which is already underway and starts new projects to strengthen Torbay’s cultural activity.”

Paul Woolnough, Chair of Torbay Culture said:

“We are delighted to able to confirm Martin as our new Executive Director and look forward to working with him. He has highly appropriate experience including being Head of Learning at Arts Council England South West, and Culture Director of the Exeter Cultural Partnership. Our thanks again to Kate for a highly successful three years. We wish her every success at The Box”.