The Architecture Centre in Bristol has appointed Sarah James as its new director, bringing a wealth of arts management experience to the role.
With more than 15 years in arts and cultural management, Sarah has an extensive and wide ranging career portfolio. 
She will be responsible for overall strategic and artistic direction at the Centre on Narrow Quay. She replaces Christine Davis, who left recently after five highly successful years in the role.
Sarah started her career at English Heritage and then Arts Council. She continued in the arts as executive director at Seachange Arts, a circus and street arts organisation based in Great Yarmouth, and latterly as deputy director at public art producer Situations.
She brings a strong commitment to education following her management of programmes of learning and participation at the Royal Opera House and at Alexandra Palace.
Sarah joins the Architecture Centre at an exciting period of growth as it continues to expand its role in advocating good design and better place-making in towns and cities.
Sarah said: “Taking on the directorship of the Architecture Centre is the highlight of my career, building on the strong foundations that Christine so ably put into place.
“I am incredibly excited to work with the team to help steer the Centre into its next phase; developing new audiences and building its reputation nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence and innovation in the built environment.”
Chair of trustees, Nick Childs added: “Sarah has excellent experience in leading multidisciplinary cultural and educational organisations and a real passion for engaging the public in city design and place-making. We very much look forward to working with her.”
Sarah joins an established team at the Centre including head of learning & participation Amy Harrison, head of programming Pippa Goldfinger, exhibitions & events curator Jodie Marks, and Bristol Doors Open Days producer Anna Farthing.
