Emer Grant, currently Artistic Director and CEO of Arts Collective Northampton, will join the Bluecoat as its first Creative Director. She’ll establish an artistic vision and programming model that will shape future artistic practice in what is England’s oldest arts centre.
Mary Cloake, CEO of Bluecoat, said “We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Emer to this new role, which is integral to Bluecoat’s future strategy, building on the reputation and impact of our work.
“Grant has worked internationally as a curator, producer and cultural leader, with vast experience in programme strategy, project management and interdisciplinary arts. She has a deep understanding of how contemporary art can contribute to civic identity, education, wellbeing and economic regeneration – all vital experience which will contribute richly to the work we do here in the heart of Liverpool.”
Grant said “It’s a huge honour to join Bluecoat in the new role of Creative Director as it marks its centenary. I’m looking forward to making Liverpool my home and getting to know its creative communities. This is a city with immense pride in its culture, people and spirit. I hope to learn from that energy, continue Bluecoat’s tradition of presenting ambitious art, and work collaboratively to shape a vision for its next century.
“At a time of profound uncertainty, I believe art can offer a portal to different futures, a place to question, connect and imagine how things might be otherwise.
“Taking up this new role within such a historic institution offers an extraordinary opportunity to build on Bluecoat’s pioneering tradition and explore what an arts centre can become, with art, artists and communities shaping its future at its core.”
Grant’s work focuses on contemporary art, artist-led infrastructures, institutional models, public space and interdisciplinary approaches to cultural production. As Artistic Director and CEO of Arts Collective Northampton, Grant has led the development of 24 Guildhall Road, a major capital project creating a new home for contemporary art, artist studios and community activity. Her curatorial programme has included exhibitions by Rose Finn-Kelcey and, most recently, Mark Wallinger. She has curated exhibitions, commissions and public programmes internationally with organisations including Hessel Museum of Art and ISCP in New York, Stroom Den Haag in the Netherlands, Void Gallery in Northern Ireland and Oolite Arts in South Florida.
Grant will join Bluecoat early in 2027.
Grant studied at Bard College (CCS Bard), the University of York and the University of Brighton. She was selected as an Independent Curators International Fellow and has held visiting teaching and advisory positions, including at the Royal College of Art and Bard College MFA. She currently serves on the Midlands Area Council of Arts Council England and a steering committee member of the Contemporary Visual Arts Network East Midlands.
Grant contributes nationally to conversations on artist development, institutional innovation and the future of artist-led cultural infrastructure.