New culture chief appointed at University of Birmingham
Cassandra (Cassie) Chadderton has become the University of Birmingham’s Director of Culture, Collections and Public Engagement. Working with colleagues across the Edgbaston and Dubai campuses, she will help to ensure that the University capitalises on its rich cultural assets to support its civic mission and raise its global reputation.
These cultural assets include the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Lapworth Museum of Geology, Winterbourne House and Gardens, a collection of more than 10,000 objects and artworks, public art, and The Exchange, a historic space in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
Cassie Chadderton said: "The University of Birmingham's museums and collections are world-class assets at the heart of our civic and global mission. Culture inspires connection, sparks innovation, and builds pride – in our university, and in Birmingham itself.
“Our cultural offer attracts visitors, forges partnerships, and connects with our communities. It offers extraordinary potential for driving research, enriching teaching, and deepening our engagement with the city and the world.”
Prior to joining the University, Cassie spent six years as Chief Executive of World Book Day, the ‘reading for fun’ charity. She previously held senior roles as Head of UK Theatre, Director of Media and Stakeholder Relations at Arts Council England, and Publicity Director at Random House.
Her non-executive roles include Chair of Culture Central, the advocacy, convening and development body for the arts and cultural sector in the West Midlands, and trustee of child mentoring charity, The Kids Network.
Professor Helen Abbott, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Arts and Law, is the University Executive Board sponsor for culture and public engagement. She said: “With stellar credentials from leadership roles in arts and cultural organisations, Cassie brings a track record of building successful strategic partnerships with sector, commercial and political stakeholders.
“I look forward to working with Cassie as we excite people about knowledge and discovery, ensure that our work makes an impact, and support a thriving arts and cultural sector in the city, the region, and beyond. She will help us use our world-renowned skills, expertise, and assets – including cutting-edge research facilities, international campuses, and cultural institutions – to stimulate innovative solutions and promote a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.”
From March to November 2026, The Exchange will host 'Helios', a large-scale illuminated sculpture by acclaimed British artist Luke Jerram. A new exhibition ‘Seeing the Sun, considers how space science, environmental research, and technology come together to reveal the sun’s influence, from deep space observations to real-world environmental applications.
Last year, as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, the University of Birmingham welcomed a new piece of public art to its Edgbaston campus. ‘Red Stack’, a large, bright and playful sculpture by Dubai artist Shaikha Al Mazrou, is situated next to the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clocktower (Old Joe) on Chancellor’s Court and is free for everyone to see.
The University of Birmingham holds the NCCPE Gold Watermark, recognising the importance of its public engagement work. In the Knowledge Exchange Framework, it is in the top quintile for public and community engagement.
