Announcing the New Chief Executive – Gregg Whelan
Creative Kernow is delighted to announce the appointment of Gregg Whelan as its new Chief Executive, bringing to the role over two decades of high-level experience in the cultural, creative, and educational sectors, both in the UK and internationally.
Gregg joins Creative Kernow from Trinity College London, where he has served as Director of Performance since 2020, leading a global portfolio of performing and combined arts qualifications. Prior to this, he was Professor of Performance at Falmouth University, where he led the Creative Industries Futures research and innovation programme — a role that deepened his long-standing commitment to Cornwall’s creative ecosystem.
A resident of Cornwall for over 11 years, Gregg’s extensive leadership experience spans charitable governance, cultural strategy and creative industries policy. His career includes a transformative 14-year tenure as Co-Artistic Director of Finland’s renowned ANTI – Contemporary Art Festival, where he scaled the organisation’s impact, launched the ANTI International Prize for Live Art, and spearheaded cross-sector initiatives that drove cultural and economic development in rural regions.
Gregg brings a unique combination of grassroots knowledge and global perspective, he has led large-scale cultural projects across Europe and America and presented performance works at world-renowned institutions including London’s Southbank Centre, Barcelona’s CCCB, and The Sydney Festival. A founding member of the performance company Lone Twin, Gregg co-created The Boat Project for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, a widely celebrated public art initiative with lasting social and economic impact.
Gregg Whelan said:
“Creative Kernow has played a vital and much-celebrated role in shaping and supporting the arts and creative industries in our region. I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the organisation, its funders, partners and communities as we unlock new opportunities, challenge convention, and help Cornwall’s creative economy thrive.”
Tammy Bedford, Vice Chair of Creative Kernow, said:
“We are delighted to appoint Gregg Whelan as our new Chief Executive. His experience as a cultural leader is exactly what we need to take Creative Kernow forward into our next phase of development. We’re very excited that Gregg is joining us and look forward to working with him.”
Mark Trevethan, Principal Lead for Culture and Creative Industries at Cornwall Council said:
“I look forward to welcome Gregg Whelan as Creative Kernow’s new Chief Executive. Creative Kernow plays such an important part in supporting the creative sector across Cornwall and Gregg’s appointment will bring a fresh energy and vision at this vital time.”
Nick Green, Senior Relationship Manager at Arts Council England said:
“We are delighted that Creative Kernow has found a new CEO and we look forward to working with them over the coming years.”
Gregg Whelan, CEO-designate of Creative Kernow, will formally take up the post on January 16th 2026.
