CEO appointment brings ‘stability’ to Arnolfini

SUZANNE ROLT has been confirmed as the new chief executive officer at Arnolfini, having served as interim director for just over a year.

Rolt joined the Bristol-based contemporary gallery following the departure of former executive director GARY TOPP in May 2024, as the venue sought to resolve an artist-led boycott amid criticisms over withdrawing from hosting two events as part of Bristol Palestine Film Festival.

Previously the CEO of St George’s music venue in Bristol, leading a multi-million-pound capital transformation project of the Grade II-listed former church, Rolt has also headed up the West of England grant-making charity, Quartet Community Foundation.

She has worked as an arts columnist and reviewer of classical music, as well as collaborating with BBC Radio 3 and 4 to curate festivals and series.

Currently chair of Bristol-based dance company, IMPERMANENCE, Rolt was, until 2024, also chair and board director of cultural development partnership Bristol Ideas. She has previously served as a trustee of the Royal West of England Academy and Orchestras Live.

“It’s been a total joy to renew my ties with Bristol’s cultural scene, stepping into this leadership role at one of the country’s most pioneering and acclaimed contemporary visual arts spaces,” said Rolt.

“Arnolfini has a long and prestigious history, and I feel privileged to be charged with steering it as it maps out a new and bold future.”

NEIL SACHDEV, chair of Arnolfini’s board, added: “Suzanne has already made a tremendous impact, bringing stability and momentum to our work, reconnecting us with our vision and delivering meaningful progress. Under her leadership, we’ve not only stabilised operations but also begun to reimagine our future.

“This is an exciting moment for Arnolfini. I’m confident that, under Suzanne’s leadership, we will continue to make Arnolfini a place where creativity, culture and community thrive.”