The former chief of Southern Arts has been chosen as the man to lead Oxford's bid to become the European Capital of Culture.
Oxford Inspires, the consortium behind the city's efforts to win the Capital of Culture title in 2008, has appointed Robert Hutchison as its new chief executive.
He served as chief executive at the Southern Arts Board for eight years, standing down earlier this year when it merged with the South East Arts Board.
Mr Hutchison will be joined at Oxford Inspires by Rachel Martin, who has been working with public sector and arts organisation across the UK for more than 10 years.
Oxford is one of six UK cities to have made the Government shortlist.
It is up against Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool and Newcastle/Gateshead for the coveted title.
Four partners -- Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and the two universities -- are spending £360,000 on the bid.
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