Creative Folkestone has announced the appointment of Philippine Nguyen as its new Chief Executive, with Nguyen set to take up the role in September as the organisation prepares for a landmark period in its history.
Nguyen joins from the London Borough of Waltham Forest, where she has served as Head of Cultural Programming since 2023. She succeeds Alastair Upton MBE, who steps down this summer after 14 years leading the arts charity and overseeing a period widely credited with helping transform Folkestone into one of the UK’s most significant cultural destinations.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Creative Folkestone. Following the success of Folkestone Triennial 2025, the organisation is now looking ahead to two major milestones: the 25th anniversary of Creative Folkestone and the 20th anniversary of Folkestone Triennial, both in 2028.
Before joining Waltham Forest, Nguyen co-founded and led Art Night, the contemporary art festival known for commissioning ambitious public artworks and site-specific projects across UK cities. As Executive Director, she helped raise more than £3.5 million across six editions of the festival while overseeing fundraising, governance, partnerships and strategic development.
Speaking about her appointment, Nguyen 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.”
She added:
“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.”
Creative Folkestone Chair Sir Roger De Haan described Nguyen as a worthy successor to Upton following what he called a “rigorous and thorough recruitment process”.
“Creative Folkestone faces an exciting future under her leadership,”
he said.
“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.”
Founded to champion creativity as a catalyst for regeneration, Creative Folkestone has become one of the UK’s most influential place-based cultural organisations. Its activities span the Creative Quarter, Folkestone Book Festival, education and participation programmes, Quarterhouse, Prospect Cottage and the Folkestone Triennial, the UK’s largest exhibition of newly commissioned public art.
Since launching in 2008, the Triennial has commissioned major artists including Cornelia Parker, Jeremy Deller, Cristina Iglesias and Richard Wilson, transforming the town itself into a platform for contemporary art.
Nguyen’s appointment signals continuity with Creative Folkestone’s long-term commitment to artists, communities and public culture, while positioning the organisation for its next phase of development as it approaches two significant anniversaries in 2028.
MORE: creativefolkestone.org.uk
