Cockpit, London’s leading centre for contemporary craft, has announced the appointment of Jonathan Burton as its new CEO.
He replaces Annie Warburton, who stepped down in December 2023, and will assume his role at Cockpit in late April 2024.
His experience and engagement in the arts and culture sector is reflected in his marketing roles at Tate and at English National Opera, his eight years as Director of the London Art Fair and six years at London Craft Week.
In 2023, Cockpit received the Prove It: Social Impact Award at the 2023 UK Social Enterprise Awards and completed a £3.24m renovation at its Deptford Creekside studios.
Burton said: “I am delighted to be joining Cockpit at this important juncture and I am very much looking forward to working with the team and community of makers in Bloomsbury and Deptford.
“Cockpit is ambitious and has already achieved so much in supporting and promoting craft and makers. Collectively there is even more we can do to reach and support crafts people, and engage the next generation in making.”
Davina Mallinckrodt, chair of the board of trustees, added: “We are excited to have Jonathan leading Cockpit at this important stage in our 30-year history as a charity that helps build creative businesses, by providing studio space, business incubation and mentoring for professional makers.
“Cockpit is a beacon of excellence in contemporary craft. Our ability to provide much-needed studio space and support for emerging talent relies on the passion and dedication of our team and the support of so many funders and organisations who see the future of craft skills as critical to the ecosystem of the Creative Industries.”
