Modern Art Oxford has announced Michael Stanley as its new director.

It will be a welcome return to Oxford for Mr Stanley, who first studied as an artist at The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art.

In Milton Keynes, where he was art director, he won praise for delivering a distinctive artistic programme combining emerging international artists with historical practice including two recently nominated Turner Prize exhibitions by Phil Collins and Cathy Wilkes.

He said: "My work has been characterised by an ambition to bring into dialogue artists, people and place – and what better place than the rich and vital context of Oxford with which to engage artists."

He replaces the outgoing Director Andrew Nairne and will take up post in January.