Alistair Hardaker | Image: Joe Hill (© Cameron Brown)
Joe Hill to lead international sculpture park from April as organisation enters pivotal phase ahead of 2027 milestone celebrations.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park has appointed a new director and chief executive, a newly combined role ahead of its 50th anniversary.
Joe Hill, currently director and chief executive of Towner Eastbourne, will take up the role from 14 April 2026.
The sculpture park’s former director Clare Lilley stepped down from the role last July, and its former deputy director Kevin Rodd has since served as interim director.
Hill’s appointment comes ahead of the Huddersfield organisation approaching its 50th anniversary in 2027.
The new appointment served as director and chief executive of Towner Eastbourne for eight years. During his tenure, Towner Eastbourne won Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2020, and hosted the Turner Prize in 2023.
Originally from Yorkshire and a trained artist, Hill’s curatorial experience includes roles at Camden Arts Centre, Firstsite Colchester and the Venice Biennale. He is an active contributor to national cultural policy, including serving as a member of the Turner Prize 2026 jury, and through leadership roles in regional and sector-wide networks such as Culture East Sussex and the South East Creative Economy Network.
Hill said Yorkshire Sculpture Park was “a place I have admired for a long time for its ambition, generosity and deep connection to artists and landscape”.
“I’m excited to build on YSP’s remarkable artistic programme and to strengthen its long-term resilience, ensuring it continues to support artists and welcome audiences in ever more inspiring ways.”
Pete Massey, Director Yorkshire and the Humber at Arts Council England, added: “[Hill’s] significant leadership experience and artistic vision will be invaluable as the organisation celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. We look forward to working with him on this new chapter for one of the country’s leading cultural destinations.”
