Creative Folkestone appoints new Chief Executive

Creative Folkestone has announced that Philippine Nguyen will take on the leadership of the organisation as its new Chief Executive this September.

Philippine Nguyen joins from her current post as Head of Cultural Programming at the London Borough of Waltham Forest, where she has been since 2023. Prior to that, she was the co-founder and Executive Director of Art Night, a national contemporary art festival, where she successfully raised more than £3.5m across six editions and was responsible for financial management, stakeholder relationships, governance and fundraising.

Speaking about her appointment, Philippine said: “Folkestone is an incredibly special place, and I have long admired the visionary work of Creative Folkestone. From its extensive learning and literary programmes, the internationally renowned Triennial and the exceptional artworks situated across the town, to the vibrancy of the Creative Quarter and Quarterhouse, and the quiet, inspiring setting of Prospect Cottage, the breadth of projects the charity leads is exceptional. It’s an immense privilege to lead Creative Folkestone into the next stage of its journey as we look forward to the 25th year of the organisation and the 20th anniversary of the Triennial in 2028.”

Philippine joins the organisation at an exciting time, following the internationally acclaimed Folkestone Triennial 2025 and looking ahead to both 20 years of Folkestone Triennial and the 25th anniversary of Creative Folkestone itself. She will take over from Alastair Upton MBE after 14 years of his transformative leadership.

Creative Folkestone’s Chair, Sir Roger De Haan says: “After a rigorous and thorough recruitment process, I am delighted that Philippine will be joining us as our new CEO. Creative Folkestone faces an exciting future under her leadership. Philippine is a worthy successor to Alastair Upton who will leave this summer after a very successful period in charge of our charity that has had such an important role in Folkestone’s revival.”

As Creative Folkestone looks to the future, the charity remains committed to championing creativity, enabling artists and communities, and ensuring Folkestone continues to be recognised as a place where ambitious ideas, cultural exchange and creative opportunity can thrive.

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Photo credit: ©Igor Emmerich