The Place appoints fresh chair as it ‘embraces new possibilities’

The Place has appointed Professor RONI BROWN as its new chair of the board of governors in the lead up to its 60th anniversary in 2030.

Brown will help the London-based centre for contemporary dance focus “on shaping a future that honours its legacy of innovation while embracing bold new possibilities”, starting from 1 March next year.

Brown is a professor emeritus of the University of Arts London (UAL), where she was academic deputy vice-chancellor.

Prior to this, she held senior roles including pro vice-chancellor and head of the London College of Fashion and deputy vice-chancellor at the University for the Creative Arts.

Brown has held several arts sector non-executive roles including South-East area chair for Arts Council England.

Chief executive of the Place CLARE CONNOR said “an unwavering dedication to both access and excellence” lay at the core of Brown’s career.

Connor welcomed Brown’s appointment as the company enters “a bold new chapter, one defined by ambition, transformation, and sector-wide accountability in both higher education and dance”.

Brown said: “In challenging times for the arts and education, the Place grows in ambition which is evidence by the quality of its outputs.

“The opportunity to chair the board of governors is a huge responsibility and comes at a time of profound uncertainty in the world and for organisations; at a time when boards must understand a new level of ownership and accountability.”

Brown will succeed the current chair ALAN BISHOP, who is retiring after a seven-year tenure.

The Place said Bishop had been “an exceptionally dedicated chair, offering not only his time and expertise, but also personal support over many years”.