A new chapter for South Square
We’re excited to share that Ryan Hughes will join South Square as our new Director this October.
Ryan will join the team on 12 October 2026, sharing a crossover period with our current Director, Alice Withers, before she moves on to a new opportunity after ten years with the organisation.
Ryan joins us from Coventry Biennial, which he founded in 2017 and has since led as Artistic Director and CEO. During that time, he has developed the Biennial into an important platform for contemporary art, bringing together artists, communities and cultural organisations across Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond.
Matt Storey, Chair of South Square’s Board of Trustees, said:
“On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Ryan to South Square. His experience of championing contemporary art, supporting artists and building strong relationships with communities and partners makes him a fantastic fit for the organisation, and we’re excited to work with him as South Square enters its next chapter.
“This is also an important moment to recognise Alice’s enormous contribution. Over ten years at South Square, and particularly during her time as Director, Alice has played a huge part in shaping the organisation we are today. Her commitment, creativity and care for South Square, our artists and our community have been invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for everything she has given to the organisation. We also want to wish Alice every success in her new role – we know she will be fantastic.
“A change in leadership is always a significant moment, but Ryan joins South Square at an exciting time. We have a talented team, a committed Board and strong relationships with our artists, communities and partners. We remain firmly committed to what makes South Square special: supporting ambitious contemporary art while remaining rooted in and responsive to the community around us. We’re looking forward to building on those foundations with Ryan.”
Alice joined South Square in 2016 and has led the organisation as Director since 2023. During her time here, she has helped South Square develop and grow while retaining the grassroots, collaborative spirit that has been at its heart since it first opened as a community arts centre in 1982.
Alice Withers, outgoing Director at South Square, said:
“After ten years at South Square, it’s incredibly difficult to say goodbye to a place and to people that have been such a huge part of my life. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to grow alongside the organisation and to work with so many brilliant artists, colleagues, partners, volunteers and members of our community along the way. A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey.
“I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved together. From the reopening of the centre in 2021, following its major capital redevelopment to celebrating our city’s Year of Culture through the ambitious OUR TURN visual arts festival, my time here has really been memorable.
“Although I’m sad to be leaving, I’m also really excited to see what comes next. Ryan brings a huge amount of experience and understanding of artist-led and socially engaged practice, and I know I’m leaving South Square in very capable hands. I’ll be cheering everyone on from my new role and look forward to returning to South Square as a visitor!”
Ryan Hughes, incoming Director at South Square, said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining South Square. After nine fantastic years with Coventry Biennial, I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this new challenge and begin a new chapter in Bradford.
“What particularly attracted me to the role is the combination of things that makes South Square so distinctive. It has a thriving contemporary art programme, a rich history of radical, artist-led practice and deep connections with communities in Thornton, Allerton and across the wider Bradford district. The opportunity to work with an organisation that brings together so many different people, activities and ideas really appealed to me.
“I’m also excited by South Square’s ambition for the future. Alice and the team have built incredibly strong foundations, and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to build on that work and think together about what comes next. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the team, artists, studio holders, partners and communities that make South Square what it is – and continuing to build together.”
We look forward to welcoming Ryan to South Square in October and to this next chapter in the organisation’s story.