The woman who masterminded public art for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square and the 2012 Cultural Olympiad was today named the new deputy mayor for culture and creative industries.
Top figures from the cultural world applauded the appointment of Justine Simons, 45, by Mayor Sadiq Khan, who handed her responsibility for firms working in film, music, video games, crafts and publishing. She said: “My lifelong belief is that creativity can transform lives and places.
“Culture is part of London’s DNA. It’s a big reason so many of us choose to visit and live here, it generates billions for our economy and gives London its unique character and dynamism.
“The Mayor has done something un- precedented for a global city — he has made culture a top priority and his goal is to embed it in regeneration, planning and infrastructure. It is now more urgent than ever to unlock the potential of culture to build bridges and bring people and communities together.
“We must maintain the flow of ideas and creative talent and shore up our cultural economy. So I’m thrilled to be given the chance to deliver Sadiq’s ambitious cultural vision and secure London’s future as a global role model.”
Mr Khan said: “London’s rich creative scene is a major area of economic activity, boasting world-class talent and institutions, and is a vital ingredient in our city’s success. It is crucial that it continues to grow and one of my core priorities is to help it do so.
“Justine is a tour-de-force in London’s cultural scene and she shares my passion to ensure culture is at the heart of city life. I am delighted to have her on board to deliver my ambitious programme at such a critical time.”
Ms Simons, who has worked at City Hall for more than 14 years, founded the World Cities Cultural Forum. She received an OBE last year for contributions to culture in the capital.
Tate director Nicholas Serota said: “Justine has an unrivalled knowledge and experience of culture and creativity in London. In the past decade she has contributed to many of the most successful new ventures in the city.”
Sculptor Antony Gormley said: “Justine is a friend to artists and is unfazed by the demands of those she works with or the challenges posed by the places in which they seek to work.
“Without Justine and her advocacy for the creative industries, London’s cultural landscape would be duller and the hopes of artists to engage meaningfully with the city greatly diminished.
“She combines great personal charm with a steadiness of purpose. Her infectious enthusiasm and level of intelligent collaboration make her a wonderful partner in any artistic adventure.”
Ms Simons was responsible for making Trafalgar Square the nation’s most prestigious space for contemporary art with a rolling commission from 2005.
A 2012 party to mark her decade at City Hall was attended by Gormley, theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh and British Fashion Council boss Caroline Rush.
