THE new face of culture in Swindon has been unveiled as a town art graduate.

Old Town resident Dr Mike Pringle has been named as the new director of the Swindon Cultural Partnership, and will take on the role from July, becoming its first dedicated leader.

He already has experience in the arts, being a graduate of Swindon College of Arts, and his previous professional roles have included the directorship of AHDS Visual Arts, and art director of Pickwick Records in London.

The cultural partnership was set up in March last year with a view to bringing civic, cultural, corporate and community organisations within the town together.

Its members include the South West of England Arts Council, Swindon Council, The New Swindon Company and the University of Bath in Swindon, as well as contributors from the town's business, community and voluntary sectors.

Dr Pringle, pictured, said: "Having been born and bred in Wiltshire, and living in Old Town, I know what a rich tapestry of art and culture there is across Swindon and the borough.

"The role of the Swindon Cultural Partnership is to help the creative heart of the town achieve its aims and enrich the lives of the people of Swindon and beyond.

"This is a very exciting time for Swindon. The groundbreaking developments for the town offer a fantastic opportunity for raising the profile of our arts and culture, and I am thrilled to be able to be part of it all."

Up until Dr Pringle's appointment the partnership's directorship has been contracted out to Arts and Business South West but now it will be completely self-run.

Partnership chairwoman Jan Tierney said: "We are thrilled to welcome Mike with his enthusiasm for arts and music and experience of running arts-based organisations. He is well placed to deliver our ambitious agenda to raise the profile of Swindon culturally, from a local, regional and national perspective."

It is hoped with the partnership now becoming well-established that the organisation will help place Swindon on the cultural map at both regional and national levels, to match its rising economic profile.

Chris Humphrey, director of external affairs for the South West Arts Council, said: "Swindon is already a regional economic powerhouse and now is the time to forge a place for Swindon as a cultural force within the region.

"Mike brings to the role a sense of how special Swindon could be culturally, especially with what it already has to offer which is little recognised outside of the town.

"He shares our vision and ambitions to raise the level of cultural awareness, activity and quality."