Keith Merrin (he/him) has been Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums since April 2021 overseeing its nine museum venues, public archive service and award-winning programmes of activity with young people and delivering health and wellbeing outcomes for communities through culture.

He was previously Chief Executive of Sunderland Culture a unique city-wide cultural regeneration company, Director of the Woodhorn Trust in Northumberland, Creative Director of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative and Director of Bede’s Word in Jarrow where he spearheaded securing the UK nomination of Wearmouth-Jarrow for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. He spent the early part of his career working for national nature conservation charity The Wildlife Trusts.

As a board member of Newcastle Creates, Keith is excited to help shape the city’s cultural and creative landscape. He is committed to ensuring that Newcastle continues to thrive as a hub for artistic innovation and cultural exchange, making the region more accessible and inspiring for both residents and visitors alike.

“I want to ensure that culture runs through and contributes to all areas of the city, its communities and addresses its challenges around economy, health, opportunity and diversity.

I would hope to in particular be able to connect up the cultural organisations in the city with new and emerging ideas and connections via the Compact.”