Lakeland Arts has appointed Helen Stalker to run exhibitions across its venues.
Helen has been a key player in the cultural sector for more than two decades working at high profile venues including Tate Liverpool and Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester.
She was chief executive and founder of The Turnpike in Leigh, Greater Manchester.
In her new role as Lakeland Arts senior producer (collections), she will be responsible for collections and programming at Windermere Jetty Museum, and Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house.
Lakeland Arts plans to reopen Abbot Hall in Kendal this summer.
Helen said: “Working with Lakeland Arts presents a terrific opportunity to get to know these wonderful venues and collections and investigate the stories within them.
“Connecting historic objects of national significance to new contemporary work is such an exciting prospect.
“I have an unwavering belief in the ability of art to make new connections between people, to invite surprising perspectives, improve environments, create new spaces for wellbeing and celebrate our histories. I can’t wait to work with the Lakeland Arts team and our community to explore all of these possibilities.”
Ian Read, Lakeland Arts’ head of learning and engagement, said: “Helen will bring energy and enthusiasm to Lakeland Arts. Her work at the socially-engaged Turnpike has been outstanding.
“As we reimagine Abbot Hall for a new era it’s great to welcome Helen’s deep commitment for excellent art, culture and heritage. She will also work to put our audiences, new and old, at the heart of that.”
Helen added: “Moving to and working in the beautiful Lake District has been a long-term ambition for our family and with close family members already living here, we’re really looking forward to becoming part of the South Lakes community.
“Although I’m a proud Liverpudlian, I’m historically from Cumbrian stock and the Lakes has always felt like home to me.”
Abbot Hall Art Gallery is planned to reopen in the summer, after being closed for more than two years. The gallery shut its doors in February 2020 for redevelopment.
