We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Rosa Corbishley as our new Executive Director, who will work alongside our Artistic Director Gareth Machin, as joint CEO. She will join us in her new position on Monday 14th October.

Currently working as Development Director of Bristol Beacon, Rosa led the fundraising for the £132 million capital transformation of the venue. Her extensive experience in senior leadership and income generation roles within the culture sector, will help us to deliver on our aspirations for artistic and community programmes, and to develop our venues to ensure the charity continues to thrive.

Since 2012, Rosa has been instrumental in some of Bristol Beacon's most celebrated events, including the Immersive Care Home concert with Aurora Orchestra, the live stream to 17,000 care homes nationally of the London Symphony Orchestra during the pandemic and a new commission from Jonathan Dove.

Rosa returns to Wiltshire Creative after having previously held the position of Communications and Development Manager of Salisbury International Arts Festival (2008-2011). Prior to Bristol Beacon she held roles with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern College of Music and the Audience Agency. Committed to the arts and culture industry, Rosa is also the Vice Chair for Wiltshire Music Centre, trustee for Spike Island, Bristol Zoological Society and The Earthsong Foundation (a grant-giving Foundation).

Speaking about her appointment, Rosa said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Wiltshire Creative. The cultural riches of Salisbury are unique; with a nationally respected producing theatre, a beautiful arts centre and International Arts Festival.

“Wiltshire Creative’s vision to deliver joy and transformative cultural moments to its communities attracted me to this role. I have followed Wiltshire Creative’s journey since my very happy time there working for Salisbury Festival from 2008-2011. I am eager to begin working with joint chief executive Gareth Machin, Artistic Director and the entire board. I look forward to meeting with our audiences, supporters, funders and creatives, and continuing the brilliant work.”

Our Artistic Director Gareth Machin commented:

“I am incredibly excited to be welcoming Rosa to the organisation. Her wide-ranging skillset, energy and vision will be a huge asset as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. This is an excellent appointment for Salisbury and the wider region and I’m looking forward to working alongside her as we look ahead to the next chapter for Wiltshire Creative.”

Our Chair of the Board, Doric Bossom added:

“The members of the Board of Wiltshire Creative are absolutely delighted that Rosa will be joining us shortly as Executive Director. Rosa greatly impressed the recruitment panel with her energy, insight and ambition.

“As Development Director of Bristol Beacon, Rosa built a very strong track record in senior management, leading her team in developing relationships, growing income and driving positive change. Wiltshire Creative, like other arts organisations around the country, faces significant challenges in the context of rising costs and reducing real-terms funding.

“With Rosa jointly leading the company alongside our Artistic Director, Gareth Machin, the Board believes that Wiltshire Creative will be well placed to navigate these pressures and build a resilient organisation that can continue to deliver high-quality cultural experiences to the communities of Salisbury, Wiltshire and beyond.”