ARTS group Wiltshire Creative has appointed a new executive director.

Rosa Corbishley will take up the role on October 14, working alongside the education charity’s artistic director Gareth Machin, as joint CEO.

Currently development director of Bristol Beacon, Rosa led fundraising for the £132 million capital transformation of the venue.

She brings extensive experience in senior leadership and income generation roles in the culture sector, which the charity hopes will boost its aspirations for artistic and community programmes and develop venues, including Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury Playhouse.

“I am thrilled to be joining Wiltshire Creative,” she said. “The cultural riches of Salisbury are unique; with a nationally respected producing theatre, a beautiful arts centre and International Arts Festival.”

Rosa returns to Wiltshire Creative after having previously been communications and development manager of the Salisbury International Arts Festival from 2008 to 2011.

“Wiltshire Creative’s vision to deliver joy and transformative cultural moments to its communities attracted me to this role,” she said.

“I have followed Wiltshire Creative’s journey since my very happy time there working for Salisbury Festival from 2008 to 2011.

“I am eager to begin working with joint chief executive Gareth Machin, the artistic director and the entire board.

“I look forward to meeting with our audiences, supporters, funders and creatives, and continuing the brilliant work.”

Wiltshire Creative manages venues including Salisbury Playhouse. Picture: Google

Gareth said: “I am incredibly excited to be welcoming Rosa to the organisation. Her wide-ranging skillset, energy and vision will be a huge asset as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“This is an excellent appointment for Salisbury and the wider region and I’m looking forward to working alongside her as we look ahead to the next chapter for Wiltshire Creative.”

Chair of the board for Wiltshire Creative, Doric Bossom, added: “The members of the board of Wiltshire Creative are absolutely delighted that Rosa will be joining us shortly as executive director.

“Rosa greatly impressed the recruitment panel with her energy, insight and ambition.

“As development director of Bristol Beacon, Rosa built a very strong track record in senior management, leading her team in developing relationships, growing income and driving positive change.

“Wiltshire Creative, like other arts organisations around the country, faces significant challenges in the context of rising costs and reducing real-terms funding.

“With Rosa jointly leading the company alongside our artistic director, Gareth Machin, the board believes Wiltshire Creative will be well placed to navigate these pressures and build a resilient organisation that can continue to deliver high-quality cultural experiences to the communities of Salisbury, Wiltshire and beyond.”