Today Jon Gilchrist announced that he will be standing down from his role as Executive Director of the Bush Theatre at the end of 2017.
Jon has played a pivotal role in the organisation’s growth and success since his appointment in 2014. Over the last two years the Bush Theatre has successfully delivered on time and on budget the largest capital project in the Theatre’s history while simultaneously producing critically acclaimed work to record audience numbers. In this time, the organisation’s commitment to championing diversity has seen the Arts Council England enhance its NPO investment in the organisation.
Simon Johnson, Chairman of the Bush Theatre said “Jon leaves us having overseen a highly complex capital project and in turn delivering a new business model which is seeing more people than ever experiencing work in two theatre spaces and giving us the platform to work with more new writers and artists than any point in our history . Although I’m sad to see him leave I’m delighted he will continue to focus his efforts around cultural regeneration. On behalf of the trustees I would like to thank him for his critical role during such an important moment in the history of the Bush Theatre.”
From the autumn Jon will begin working as a consultant in cultural regeneration, starting with projects in Haringey and Hammersmith & Fulham.
Jon said: “I feel incredibly lucky to have played a part in the extraordinary history of the Bush Theatre during such an exciting phase. It’s been a privilege to have worked alongside the most talented and passionate people, both the staff team and the trustees. I feel I’m leaving for new adventures at a time when the Bush is at the top of its game – both creatively and as a resilient business. I look forward to seeing the next generation of artists and writers thrive in this wonderfully redeveloped theatre.”
Madani Younis, Artistic Director of The Bush Theatre said “We celebrate Jon’s commitment and hard work during his time as Executive Director. The last couple of years have seen the organisation grow in new and bold ways and Jon’s contribution has helped to shape this new chapter in the building’s history.”
The Bush Theatre will shortly begin recruitment for a new Executive Director, with interviews scheduled for September.