Manchester Council axes Peter Saville creative director role
Manchester City Council has decided that it will no longer fund the role of creative director, held by Peter Saville.
A week after the council admitted that it was set to review Saville’s role amidst widespread budget cuts, it has decided that funding for the role will now cease, with Marketing Manchester and other partner organisations also being forced to find alternative funding sources in order to maintain the post.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "The severity of the budget cuts we face means the Council can no longer fund the role of creative director and Peter's contract with us will finish at the end of March.”
Praising the work of Saville for the Council, Leese continued: "He has made an important contribution as creative director over recent years with his talent - and passion for Manchester - has helped define how Manchester has presented itself to the world. He has been instrumental in projects including international exhibitions and festivals, the city's cultural strategy and the new Metrolink design.
"As an internationally-respected designer he has also been an effective ambassador for Manchester on the world stage and I'm glad plans are being developed to ensure he can continue to make a contribution,” added Leese.