Gregg Whelan new chief executive Creative Kernow pictured in front of a brick wall wearing a green shirt

Gregg Whelan has worked across charitable governance, cultural strategy and creative industries policy

Photo: Creative Kernow

Changing Faces

Creative Kernow appointment to bring ‘fresh energy and vision’

Arts Professional
1 min read

GREGG WHELAN has been appointed chief executive of Creative Kernow, taking over from interim-CEO TONIA LU.

Whelan will formally join the Cornwall-based Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation in January 2026, following his five-year tenure as director of performance at Trinity College London.

Previously, he was a professor of performance at Falmouth University, where he led the Creative Industries Futures research and innovation programme, and was also co-artistic director of Finland’s ANTI – Contemporary Art Festival for 14 years.

MARK TREVETHAN, principal lead for culture and creative industries at Cornwall Council, welcomed Whelan’s appointment, saying: ”Creative Kernow plays such an important part in supporting the creative sector across Cornwall, and Gregg’s appointment will bring a fresh energy and vision at this vital time.”

Whelan added: “Creative Kernow has played a vital and much-celebrated role in shaping and supporting the arts and creative industries in our region.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the organisation, its funders, partners and communities as we unlock new opportunities, challenge convention, and help Cornwall’s creative economy thrive.”