The Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington has announced today (Friday, 21 November) a significant leadership transition as Martin Nicholds, who has served as Chair for the past seven years, steps down.

The Board says it "is pleased to announce the appointment of Sally Taylor as the new Chair, effective from 19 November".

Appointed Chair in 2018, Nicholds played a pivotal role in steering the Landmark through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which it faced the threat of permanent closure.

Thanks to decisive leadership and community engagement, the Landmark was saved and emerged stronger, more vibrant, and more deeply embedded in the local community.

Over the past seven years, the Landmark has seen some important developments including:

• Securing a renewed lease, safeguarding the Landmarks long-term future in its iconic former church building.
• Appointing a new Centre Director, (Harper Ray), who has secured infrastructure upgrades to modernise the building, improve accessibility, and enhance the audience experience.
• Strengthened community ties and reinforced the Landmark's role as a key venue for visual arts, music, and cultural engagement.
• Launching the highly successful Teddington Beer Festival, now a fixture in the local events calendar.

Incoming Chair, Sally Taylor, a long-standing Teddington resident, brings with her a wealth of experience in arts management in various organisations including as former CEO of Koestler Arts, Chair of the PRS Music Foundation and Director of the London Centre for Arts and Cultural Exchange.

Taylor has a "deep passion for community-based cultural initiatives".

The Board says it "is confident that under her guidance, the Landmark will continue to flourish and build on the strong foundation laid over the past decade".

Speaking about the news, Nicholds said: "It has been an enormous privilege to serve as Chair of the Landmark Arts Centre. I'm immensely proud of what we've all achieved together. I have every confidence that Sally will continue to grow the Centre's reach and relevance in the years ahead."

Taylor added: "I'm honoured to be taking on this role; the Landmark is a cornerstone of Teddington's cultural life, and I'm excited to work with the talented team, volunteers and the Board to help lead it into its next chapter."