Cockpit, London’s leading centre for contemporary craft, has announced the appointment of Jonathan Burton as its new CEO.
He succeeds Annie Warburton. She stepped down from her position in December 2023. His role at Cockpit will begin in late April of 2024.
Ses marketing roles with Tate, English National Opera and the London Art Fair are a reflection of his experience in the arts and cultural sector. He also spent eight years as the Director of the London Art Fair.
In 2023, Cockpit received the Prove It: Social Impact Award at the 2023 UK Social Enterprise Awards and completed a £3.24m renovation at its Deptford Creekside studios.
Burton said: “I am delighted to be joining Cockpit at this important juncture and I am very much looking forward to working with the team and community of makers in Bloomsbury and Deptford.
“Cockpit is ambitious and has already achieved so much in supporting and promoting craft and makers. Collectively there is even more we can do to reach and support crafts people, and engage the next generation in making.”
Davina Mallinckrodt, chair of the board of trustees, added: “We are excited to have Jonathan leading Cockpit at this important stage in our 30-year history as a charity that helps build creative businesses, by providing studio space, business incubation and mentoring for professional makers.
“Cockpit is a beacon of excellence in contemporary craft. Our ability to provide much-needed studio space and support for emerging talent relies on the passion and dedication of our team and the support of so many funders and organisations who see the future of craft skills as critical to the ecosystem of the Creative Industries.”