A NEW executive director and CEOs have been announced for a West Cumbrian theatre.

Jen Garrick has been appointed as executive director at the Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven and will work alongside Dan Whitehouse in his role as creative director as joint CEOs.

John Clarke, chair of Rosehill Trustees, says it is a new structure for Rosehill, but one that is ‘tried and tested’ in other arts venues and one which he and his fellow trustees are excited about.

Ms Garrick said: “It’s an honour to join Rosehill as executive director & joint CEO. The organisation has been through a transformational period of research and development over the last two years, and I’m thrilled to be a part of Rosehill’s next chapter.

“I look forward to meeting our wonderful donors in the coming weeks and finding out about your connections to Rosehill and its vital work in the community.”

Ms Garrick has an extensive background in the arts in a range of roles, including a significant spell with The Art House in West Yorkshire.

She will lead on the day-to-day management of the organisation with a focus on financial resilience and sustainability.

Mr Whitehouse will continue to lead on programming and community work, an area in which he has extensive experience and where he has led on broadening Rosehill’s work with partners across the community.

Mr Clarke added: “Myself and the trustees are hugely grateful for the work Dan has done while effectively occupying two roles and we very much look forward to working with Dan and Jen as they take Rosehill forward in delivering quality arts experiences and providing arts-based community projects with and for the people of West Cumbria.”

Deanne Shallcross, the previous CEO of Rosehill Theatre, left the position last year to take on the role of CEO at the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners.