Paula said:

‘I’m delighted to be appointed as the new ADCEO of National Centre for Writing. NCW is an organisation that is uniquely placed as both England’s first Literature House in the heart of Norwich and a national centre supporting emerging writers, the artform, literary translators and readers set within a global network of UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature. It’s a privilege to build on Peggy Hughes’ artistic vision and development over the last eight years, and the legacy of Chris Gribble’s pioneering tenure.

‘As someone who has seen NCW grow over many years, creating a welcoming space for writers, readers, communities and audiences that connect across our region and within our neighbourhoods, I can’t wait to work with the team to shape this exciting next chapter. At a time of great change, we can place literature, reading, ideas and people at the very centre of how we envision the future, how we collaborate to build thriving communities for audiences, artists, residents and visitors and the spaces they share. NCW – from our Literature House in Norwich, our programme across writers and new voices, international artists and translators in residence to our partners, collaborators, readers and audiences worldwide – connects all of these, inspiring us to keep asking questions and challenge us to build a better future.’

Paula was appointed Head of Communications & Development at NCW in 2021. She was previously Development Director at Norwich Theatre, Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Future Projects. She is currently Chair of Norfolk & Suffolk Marketing Consortium as part of Norfolk & Suffolk Culture Board, and former Chair to Norwich Creative Cultural Consortium. She has worked in a range of cultural and community settings including community radio, young people’s creative engagement and Norwich City Council’s Culture Team during the time of the Norwich’s UNESCO City of Literature bid, alongside working on the city’s shortlisted nomination to be the UK’s first City of Culture 2010.  

Alan Waters, Chair of the Board at NCW, said: 

‘After a rigorous and competitive process, the Board and our stakeholders are very pleased that Paula Sanchez has been appointed as the Artistic Director & CEO at National Centre for Writing. 

‘In taking on this new role, Paula draws on a depth of experience from her work across the cultural sector and a proven track record of achievement during her five years at NCW as a member of the executive leadership team. 

‘While acknowledging all we’ve achieved as an organisation during Peggy’s tenure, Paula has a strong vision of her own and the experience and skills to respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. She is the right person to lead us into the next chapter of our story.’

Since its founding in the early 2000s, NCW has grown into a thriving cultural centre for Norwich and the region, an important landmark in the UK’s literature scene, and an important international collaborator with artists and sector leaders worldwide. The organisation led the bid for Norwich to become England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012 and continues to play a vital part in the cultural, civic and economic life of the city and county. 

Paula succeeds Peggy Hughes, who will step down from her role on 5 June to join the National Library of Scotland as Director of Engagement. 

Peggy Hughes said: 

‘I’m delighted that our colleague Paula will be National Centre for Writing’s new leader. Paula has been with us for five years, and in that time her contribution as Head of Communications & Development has been seismic in shaping the organisation we are today. She brings immense energy, integrity, strategic intelligence and a huge commitment to our artists, audiences and communities, our work and our stewardship of Dragon Hall. I know that under Paula’s leadership NCW and our brilliant team will soar, and I’m looking forward to seeing where she takes us next.’