Oldham Coliseum Chief Executive departs after loss of NPO status

A theatre that will no longer be funded as part of Arts Council England's (ACE) National Portfolio has announced the departure of its Chief Executive.

Oldham Coliseum was one of a number of arts and culture organisations not to be included in the National Portfolio for 2023-26, having applied for funding totalling £1.84m over the three-year period.

The Oldham Times reports that in the wake of the funding rejection, Susan Wildman is leaving her position as Chief Executive by mutual consent, while Jan O’Connor is stepping down as the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Chris Lawson, the current Artistic Director, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive.

In a statement the board said: “[We] have been working hard in recent weeks to ensure the company’s stability following Arts Council England’s decision not to include the Coliseum in its National Portfolio from April 2023.

“While ACE’s decision represents a significant loss of income, we believe there are ways to create an exciting future for the Coliseum, and that now is the right time for Chris Lawson to take on the additional responsibilities of Chief Executive in order to lead the company forward.”

Lawson said: “We have a difficult but exciting job ahead of us, and I’m committed to working with the board and the Coliseum’s dedicated and amazing staff and volunteers to shape a future for the theatre that builds on our enduring dedication to create work for and with the people of Oldham."