Philippine Nguyen has been appointed as the next chief executive of Creative Folkestone.
Nguyen will join the Kent-based creative arts charity in early September and succeeds Alastair Upton, who will leave in July after 14 years in charge.
Upton does not yet have any firm plans for what he will do after leaving the £3m-a-year charity, the organisation said.
Nguyen has been head of cultural programming for the London Borough of Waltham Forest since 2023.
Before this, she was co-founder and executive director of Art Night, a national contemporary art festival, between 2015 and 2023.
Nguyen has since 2024 been a trustee of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, a multi-purpose arts venue in Tottenham, north London.
“Folkestone is an incredibly special place, and I have long admired the visionary work of Creative Folkestone,” Nguyen said.
“From its extensive learning and literary programmes, the internationally renowned Triennial and the exceptional artworks situated across the town, to the vibrancy of the Creative Quarter and Quarterhouse, and the quiet, inspiring setting of Prospect Cottage, the breadth of projects the charity leads is exceptional.
“It’s an immense privilege to lead Creative Folkestone into the next stage of its journey as we look forward to the 25th year of the organisation and the 20th anniversary of the Triennial in 2028.”
Sir Roger De Haan, chair of Creative Folkestone, said the charity looked forward to an “exciting future” under Nguyen’s leadership.
“Philippine is a worthy successor to Alastair Upton, who will leave this summer after a very successful period in charge of our charity that has had such an important role in Folkestone’s revival,” he said.