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New director appointed to lead Queer Britain
Andrew Given leaves English National Opera to join museum as it starts search for new home
Queer Britain has appointed Andrew Given as its new director, following the announcement earlier this year that founding director Joseph Galliano-Doig would be stepping down.
Given joins from English National Opera where he worked for 14 years, most recently as director of development leading fundraising campaigns. In a statement, Queer Britain said Given would lead it through the next phase of its development, including finding a permanent base.
“I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of museum director at Queer Britain to lead the inspirational team that have achieved so much since the doors opened in 2022,” Given said.
“Queer Britain is an incredible space that tells queer stories from a queer perspective, and I’m excited to work in service to the UK’s LGBTQ+ community, showcasing and elevating unheard stories from all over the country, and for the museum to be at the heart of our community.
“It will be an honour to build upon the fantastic work of Joseph Galliano-Doig, and to take Queer Britain onto its next phase towards a forever home."
The museum was established in 2018 and is currently housed in Granary Square close to Kings Cross Station, leasing the space from the Art Fund, which is also based in the building.
“Getting the UK's first LGBTQ+ museum up and running has been the greatest pleasure of my working life so far,” said Galliano-Doig. “But I'm so happy to pass the baton onto a leader that I have a huge amount of respect for and who I have no doubt will lift Queer Britain to even greater heights.
“I look forward to cheering from the sidelines and supporting him in whatever ways he needs in the coming years.”