Following a thorough international search, Chisenhale Gallery has announced that Edward Gillman has been appointed as Director.
‘I am delighted to welcome Edward Gillman as Director. Edward brings a singular vision, understanding of Chisenhale Gallery’s context and innovative approach to the role. During his time at Auto Italia, he curated an inspired programme, increased their settlement in Arts Council England’s 2023 – 2026 investment in National Portfolio Organisations, and navigated the upheaval of COVID, highlighting his proactive, thoughtful, and clear approach to leadership. The Board of Trustees and the team look forward to working with Edward to secure the Gallery’s future premises and maintain its position as the UK’s foremost space for commissioning artists.’
May Calil, Chair of Chisenhale Gallery’s Board
Gillman joins from Auto Italia, a non-profit visual arts institution dedicated to researching, producing and exhibiting work on the intersections of queer studies and social change. Gillman had worked at Auto Italia for 11 years, five of these as Director, and two as CoDirector. Gillman was chosen by a selection committee including Chisenhale Gallery’s Trustees, artist alumni, and peer institution leaders.
‘It’s a true privilege to step into the role of Director at Chisenhale Gallery, an institution with an extraordinary legacy shaped by generations of visionary artists and directors. As the gallery approaches its 45th anniversary, I am looking forward to carrying forward its founding spirit of experimental making and diverse critical thinking, and deepening the special relationships it holds locally and globally with a committed community of artists, supporters, partners and audiences.’
Edward Gillman
Edward Gillman will drive forward Chisenhale Gallery’s innovation, overseeing the institution’s Social Practice projects, as well as its acclaimed Commissions Programme, which in 2025 comprises three new exhibitions by artists Claudia Pagès Rabal, Dan Guthrie, and Grant Mooney.
About Edward Gillman
Edward Gillman was Co-Director of Auto Italia in London from 2016 – 2018, and Director from 2019 – 2024. In this role, he developed the organisation from its grassroots, artist-led origins into a highly successful institution recognised internationally as a bellwether for influential trends in visual art. Gillman has been Chair of Trustees at Cordova in Barcelona since 2021.
