Edward Gillman Named New Director of Chisenhale Gallery

Chisenhale Gallery has appointed Edward Gillman as its new director. Gillman takes over from Zoé Whitley, who stepped down earlier this month after serving five years. Whitley took charge just weeks before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gillman joins Chisenhale Gallery after seven years of leadership at Auto Italia, first as co-director for two years, then as director for the last five. Under his guidance, Auto Italia successfully secured increased funding as part of Arts Council England’s 2023–2026 National Portfolio Organization investment. Gillman also skillfully managed the gallery through the Covid-19 crisis, demonstrating proactive and thoughtful leadership.

Chisenhale Gallery’s Board of Trustees enthusiastically welcomed Gillman. Board members praised his proactive, thoughtful, and clear leadership style. “Edward successfully navigated Auto Italia through Covid-19 and secured its investment from Arts Council England,” they highlighted. “We look forward to working with him to secure the gallery’s future and reinforce its status as the UK’s leading space for commissioning artists.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Gillman stated: “I’m excited to join Chisenhale Gallery and build on its legacy of diverse critical thinking and innovative artist commissions. I look forward to deepening our relationships with artists, supporters, partners, and audiences, both locally and globally.”

Gillman’s appointment signals a promising future for Chisenhale Gallery, reinforcing its role as a leading UK institution committed to contemporary art and diverse artistic voices.

Photo: Ottilie Landmark.