Arnolfini appoints Professor Paul Gough as new Chair of Trustees

Arnolfini, the internationally acclaimed centre for contemporary arts and partner organisation of UWE Bristol, has appointed Professor Paul Gough as its new Chair of Trustees, effective 5 January 2026.

Professor Gough joins Arnolfini at a landmark moment in its history, as the organisation marks 50 years at its iconic Bristol Harbourside home and prepares to launch an ambitious new vision that will carry it into 2030 and beyond.

In his new role, Professor Gough will work closely with Arnolfini’s Board and with Suzanne Rolt, who was appointed CEO earlier this year.

Suzanne Rolt said: “Paul is an ideal match for Arnolfini and has the skills and experience needed to lead us forward into the next chapter of our history. As well as being a practising artist, broadcaster and writer on the visual arts, he is closely connected with the cultural sector in the region and has worked in senior university roles in this country and across the world. He is highly and warmly thought of across the cultural sector in the city and has a deep understanding of the importance of the arts in people’s lives.”

Professor Amanda Coffey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UWE Bristol and current Deputy Chair of Arnolfini Board of Trustees, added: “This is an exciting time for Arnolfini, and Paul brings a wealth of experience to help ensure Arnolfini remains at the heart of Bristol’s cultural landscape as a vibrant arts organisation that educates and inspires. Paul also has a deep appreciation of how Arnolfini and UWE Bristol can continue to work together.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Professor Gough said: “I have known Arnolfini as a leading arts institution for many decades. Respected and admired all over the world, it reaches out and inspires artists, performers, educators and diverse communities across the region and country. I am so excited at working with Suzanne, the Board and the Arnolfini team and maintaining its reputation as a values-driven organisation that can genuinely impact in so many innovative ways.”

Professor Gough’s appointment signals a period of renewed ambition and leadership for Arnolfini as it continues to champion contemporary arts, nurture creative communities, and shape cultural life in Bristol and beyond.

Arnolfini is a longstanding strategic cultural and educational partner of UWE Bristol, and is one of the sites that makes up the university's City Campus.