Paula Sanchez named artistic director and CEO of National Centre for Writing
Paula Sanchez has been appointed artistic director and chief executive officer (ADCEO) of National Centre for Writing (NCW), succeeding Peggy Hughes, who will step down from her role on 5th June to join the National Library of Scotland as director of engagement.
Sanchez, current head of communications and development at NCW, will step into the role from Monday 8th June 2026. As ADCEO, she will steer the organisation through its next Arts Council England National Portfolio (NPO) funding cycle and spearhead the delivery of Writing the Future, Norwich UNESCO City of Literature’s 10-year strategic vision.
Before joining NCW, Sanchez was development director at Norwich Theatre, Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Future Projects. She is currently chair of Norfolk & Suffolk Marketing Consortium as part of Norfolk & Suffolk Culture Board, and former chair of Norwich Creative Cultural Consortium. She has worked in a range of cultural and community settings, including community radio, young people’s creative engagement and Norwich City Council’s Culture Team during the time of the Norwich’s UNESCO City of Literature bid, alongside working on the city’s shortlisted nomination to be the UK’s first City of Culture in 2010.
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She said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the new ADCEO of National Centre for Writing. NCW is an organisation that is uniquely placed as both England’s first literature house in the heart of Norwich and a national centre supporting emerging writers, the art form, literary translators and readers set within a global network of UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature. It’s a privilege to build on Peggy Hughes’ artistic vision and development over the last eight years, and the legacy of Chris Gribble’s pioneering tenure.”
Alan Waters, chair of the board at NCW, said: “After a rigorous and competitive process, the board and our stakeholders are very pleased that Paula Sanchez has been appointed as the artistic director and CEO at National Centre for Writing. In taking on this new role, Paula draws on a depth of experience from her work across the cultural sector and a proven track record of achievement during her five years at NCW as a member of the executive leadership team.
“While acknowledging all we’ve achieved as an organisation during Peggy’s tenure, Paula has a strong vision of her own and the experience and skills to respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. She is the right person to lead us into the next chapter of our story.”
Peggy Hughes, who announced she would be stepping down earlier this year, added: “I’m delighted that our colleague, Paula, will be National Centre for Writing’s new leader. Paula has been with us for five years, and in that time, her contribution as head of communications and development has been seismic in shaping the organisation we are today. She brings immense energy, integrity, strategic intelligence and a huge commitment to our artists, audiences and communities, our work and our stewardship of Dragon Hall. I know that under Paula’s leadership, NCW and our brilliant team will soar, and I’m looking forward to seeing where she takes us next.”
