LAKELAND arts have announced a new appointment.

Helen Stalker has joined the team and will be running it's programme of exhibitions across its venues.

Helen has been a key player in the cultural sector for more than two decades working at high profile venues including Tate Liverpool and Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester.

She was CEO and Founder of The Turnpike in Leigh, Greater Manchester, turning it into a highly regarded art gallery with the community at its core.

Helen said: “Working with Lakeland Arts presents a terrific opportunity to get to know these wonderful venues and collections and investigate the stories within them. Connecting historic objects of national significance to new contemporary work is such an exciting prospect.

“I have an unwavering belief in the ability of art to make new connections between people, to invite surprising perspectives, improve environments, create new spaces for wellbeing and celebrate our histories. I can’t wait to work with the Lakeland Arts team and our community to explore all of these possibilities.”

In her new role as Lakeland Arts Senior Producer (Collections) she’ll be responsible for collections and programming at Windermere Jetty Museum, and Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. She joins at an exciting time as Lakeland Arts plans to reopen Abbot Hall in Kendal this summer.

Ian Read, Lakeland Arts Head of Learning and Engagement said: “Helen will bring energy and enthusiasm to Lakeland Arts. Her work at the socially-engaged Turnpike has been outstanding.

“As we reimagine Abbot Hall for a new era it’s great to welcome Helen’s deep commitment for excellent art, culture and heritage. She will also work to put our audiences, new and old, at the heart of that.”

Helen added: “Moving to and working in the beautiful Lake District has been a long-term ambition for our family and with close family members already living here, we’re really looking forward to becoming part of the South Lakes community.

“Although I’m a proud Liverpudlian, I’m historically from Cumbrian stock and the Lakes has always felt like home to me.”