The Ikon has announced the permanent appointment of a new leadership team to take the art gallery into its 60th year.
Ian Hyde has been appointed as chief executive officer, with Melanie Pocock taking up the position as artistic director (exhibitions) and Linzi Stauvers becoming artistic director (education).
The trio had been in acting positions for these roles since last year when Jonathan Watkins stepped down as director of Ikon after 23 years.
Professor Helen Higson, who is chair of the Ikon’s board of trustees, said: “We are delighted to appoint the gallery’s new leadership team.
“We have been on a thorough and considered journey to reach this point, taking time to consult with sector colleagues, supporters and artists and working with a specialist recruitment agency to reach the best possible outcome.
“Ian Hyde, Melanie Pocock and Linzi Stauvers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, both local and international, and the new style of leadership we were looking for.”
Prof Higson, whose professorship heads higher education learning and management at Aston University, added: “We are excited to work with them and the gallery’s wider team to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for new and challenging experiences of art, remaining a key component in the region’s cultural landscape.”
Mr Hyde’s background includes having an overview of the whole organisation, having joined Ikon in 2016 as deputy director and later becoming chief operating officer. He has a particular focus on Ikon’s business operations, with financial knowledge across all areas, managing liaison with key funders and partners.
Prior to his roles at Ikon, Mr Hyde was an elected councillor for Manchester City Council and worked freelance across multiple arts, sports and cultural organisations for over a decade.
Ms Pocock will lead Ikon’s exhibition programme, publications and off-site projects. She joined Ikon in 2020 and has curated multiple exhibitions since then. Ms Pocock moved to Ikon from her previous position as assistant curator at the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore.
Ms Stauvers will lead on Ikon’s education programmes with universities, schools, charities and criminal justice partners. She joined Ikon in 2017 and has previously worked in education departments at the National Portrait Gallery, Milton Keynes Gallery and The Hepworth Wakefield.
In a joint statement, the newly confirmed trio said: “To be appointed as Ikon’s leadership team during the gallery’s 60th anniversary is very special.
“We are excited to oversee the future development of Ikon in showcasing the visual arts regionally and internationally, and will forge new cultural, industrial and communal partnerships.”
Caption for above picture: (from left) Melanie Pocock, Linzi Stauvers and Ian Hyde. Photographer Ayesha Jones.
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