Clare Lilley, Director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park, has announced her decision to step down to pursue global opportunities, marking the end of a remarkable and transformative era in the organisation’s history.

Clare’s contribution to YSP over more than three decades – and especially her role as Director of Programme and since 2022 as Director – has been visionary, bold, and influential. She has shaped a world-class artistic programme, bringing some of the most important and compelling voices in contemporary art to YSP, including Ai Weiwei, Amar Kanwar, Bharti Kher, Giuseppe Penone, Yinka Shonibare CBE, James Turrell and Joana Vasconcelos. Under her leadership, YSP has not only been a beacon for international contemporary sculpture but a place of profound cultural engagement. Clare’s curatorial intelligence and instinct for collaboration have resulted in long-lasting relationships with artists, collectors, foundations and galleries worldwide. She has secured major acquisitions, including by Robert Indiana, Kimsooja, Sean Scully, Jaume Plensa, Alfredo Jaar, Ro Robertson and Erwin Wurm. Each of these is a testament to her eye, her tenacity and unshakable belief in YSP’s mission.

Clare has actively worked to diversify YSP’s collection and her commitment to engagement and learning is central to her purpose. She has championed underrepresented voices, expanded the reach and resonance of the YSP programme, and ensured the organisation’s relevance for all audiences. Her impact on the collection and on the YSP’s values will be felt for decades to come.

Internationally, Clare is a highly respected figure in the field. Her decade-long tenure as Curator of Frieze Sculpture, London; her curatorial work at the Venice Biennale; her contributions to art publishing and her leadership roles across advisory and boards of trustees speak to a career defined by excellence, generosity and a deep commitment to public art. Clare’s understanding of landscape and architecture has helped shape the physical and emotional environment of YSP itself. She was instrumental in the design development of two award-winning buildings on the Park’s historic estate – structures that harmonise with the landscape and reflect her belief in art’s connection to place.

As Director, Clare has steered the organisation through the turbulent post-Covid period and she oversaw financial reforms and structural change that have helped stabilise YSP. Recent successes in fundraising mean that YSP continues to function at an international level. Clare instigated a governance review bringing in new trustees who together with new members of the executive team will guide the YSP through to its 50th anniversary in 2027. Clare’s concluding legacy is the opening of a landmark exhibition by South African artist William Kentridge – a long held personal ambition and a fitting capstone to her tenure. In every sense, she leaves YSP not just stronger but agile and ready for a brilliant future.

Clare's last day in post will be Friday 4 July, and the trustees will now begin the process of recruiting a new Director to build on her legacy. In the meantime, Deputy Director Kevin Rodd will be appointed as Interim Director, assisted by the Senior Leadership Team.

Peter Clegg, Chair of YSP Trustees said:

Clare’s tenure has been marked by exceptional curatorial skills, which brought both new audiences and new artists to YSP. She has deep knowledge of international sculpture and its place in the arts pantheon and has made an invaluable contribution to establishing YSP as an internationally renowned and locally loved cultural institution. She leaves a lasting legacy at YSP, not least from the passion and dedication she brought to her role. We wish her all the best in her future ventures.

Clare Lilley said:

With deep gratitude and a full heart, I’m announcing my decision to step down as Director of YSP. This moment follows the launch of our William Kentridge exhibition and the success of major fundraising efforts, an achievement that brings vital investment and stability to the organisation I love. I’ve been privileged to spend a significant part of my career at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and will greatly miss the brilliant people with whom it’s been my good fortune to work. Their brilliance, dedication, and creativity have shaped a place that is cherished by generations of visitors. To witness what they give each day – quietly, passionately – is both thrilling and humbling. After so many years I feel as though YSP’s soil runs in my veins. Saying goodbye to the most inspirational and beautiful art museum in Britain is not easy, nor is parting from the remarkable artists who have given me more than I can ever express. Yet with both of my daughters now working abroad, and William’s exhibition marking a deeply personal milestone, I believe this is the right moment to explore new horizons. Throughout my time at YSP I’ve been guided by Sir Peter Murray’s founding vision: to bring incredible art and landscape to everyone and to enrich the economic, educational and cultural life of the region. I am proud that we’ve remained true to that mission – launching innovative learning and engagement programmes, enabling exceptional opportunities for artists, conserving 18th century landscape, increasing biodiversity, and giving joy to millions. YSP’s future is very bright. I have every confidence in the team and board as they lead this extraordinary place toward its 50th anniversary and beyond. My passion for art and landscape remains undimmed, and I’m excited to bring that energy to new ventures in the wider world.