Tullie House Trust

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 18 November 2009)

Recruitment of the Chair of New Board

Arrangements are underway to find a Chair of a potential new Trust for Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle, Cumbria.

This person will work with Tullie House and Members of Carlisle City Council as they progress towards Trust status for the Museum.

This is a significant step in moving forward to a Trust which will transfer of the management and operation of the Museum to an independent Board of Trustees. The Trust approach would provide long-term benefits for the Museum such as increased access to external funding and a more flexible approach to delivering the Museum services.

The new Chair will lead the financial, legal and contractual negotiations in setting up a new structure and creating a Shadow Board.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said:

"Tullie House is positioned at the forefront of ambitious development plans for Carlisle’s culture and heritage. This is an exciting stage, therefore, in the Museum’s development and we are looking for someone who will champion Tullie House throughout the region, nationally and internationally. In this role, we are looking for someone to share our passion, commitment and vision for keeping Tullie House as the jewel in the crown of Carlisle."

The buildings and collections will remain with Carlisle City Council and the model of the new Trust will be similar to the City Council’s successful partnership with Carlisle Leisure Limited, which manages The Sands Centre and delivers enhanced sports facilities on behalf of the City Council.