Rochdale Creates appoints new independent Chair

Posted by on 28 Sep 2026

Rochdale Creates has appointed Dr Helen Palmer as the new independent Chair of Rochdale Borough’s Cultural Compact. Helen brings more than 30 years’ experience working across culture, heritage, placemaking, tourism and partnership development at local, regional and national level, and joins the partnership at an important moment in its growth and development.

An experienced cultural leader, consultant and trustee, Helen has a long-standing connection with Rochdale, having worked with local cultural organisations and partners over many years, including Touchstones Rochdale, Rochdale Borough Council and, more recently, Rochdale Development Agency through marketing and communications training for the borough’s creative and cultural sector.

As Chair, Helen will provide independent leadership for Rochdale Creates, supporting partners to deliver the borough’s shared cultural vision, strengthen collaboration across sectors and ensure culture continues to play a central role in Rochdale’s regeneration, wellbeing, community pride and economic growth. The role will focus on governance, partnership working and helping the Compact maintain its focus on delivery, impact and long term sustainability.

Helen currently leads her own consultancy, Palmer Squared, and has worked with organisations including Arts Council England, Marketing Manchester, Manchester International Festival, Derbyshire County Council and numerous museums, theatres, festivals and cultural partnerships across the UK. She also holds a number of board positions within the cultural sector and is Co Chair of What Next? Greater Manchester.

Helen said:

“Rochdale has developed an ambitious and compelling vision for culture, built on strong partnerships, rich heritage and a growing creative sector. I am excited to support Rochdale Creates as it enters its next phase and to work alongside partners across the borough to help turn that ambition into action.”

Rochdale Creates is Rochdale Borough’s Cultural Compact, bringing together cultural organisations, artists, educators, businesses, community groups and public sector partners around a shared vision for culture. Established in 2022, the partnership has grown significantly over the last three years, helping to strengthen collaboration across the borough and champion culture as a driver of regeneration, wellbeing, community pride and economic opportunity.

Councillor Sue Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities and Cooperation at Rochdale Borough Council said:

“We are delighted to welcome Helen as Chair of Rochdale Creates. This is a significant appointment for the borough’s cultural sector and reflects how far the Cultural Compact has come since it was established three years ago. Attracting someone of Helen’s calibre, profile and experience demonstrates the strength of Rochdale’s cultural and creative sector and the exciting opportunities that exist here.”
“There is a huge amount happening across the borough and increasing recognition of Rochdale as a place where culture, creativity and partnership working can deliver real impact. We are proud to be punching above our weight and building on the momentum created through recent cultural investment and activity. Helen’s appointment is another sign that Rochdale is becoming an increasingly important player within Greater Manchester’s cultural landscape.”

“We want Rochdale Creates to continue growing as a movement for everyone who cares about culture and creativity in the borough. We would encourage artists, creatives, cultural organisations and community partners to connect with us through our website, newsletter and social channels, and we’d love to hear from organisations, funders and investors who want to be part of Rochdale’s cultural future.”

Helen’s appointment comes at an important time for Rochdale Creates as partners work together to build on the legacy of Greater Manchester Town of Culture, strengthen the borough’s cultural ecology, attract investment and support culture led regeneration across Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and the Pennines. Three years on from its launch, the Cultural Compact has matured into a confident and ambitious partnership and is helping to position Rochdale as one of the most exciting places for culture, creativity and collaboration in Greater Manchester.

To find out more about Rochdale Creates, visit Rochdale Creates and follow @rochdale.creates on Instagram and Facebook.