News | Founding and Executive Director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park awarded knighthood

Peter Murray, Founding and Executive Director of Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP), has been awarded a knighthood by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year 2021 Honours List in recognition of his services to the arts.

The Trustees and staff of YSP are delighted to see Peter’s work, perseverance and contribution to culture publicly recognised, in advance of his retirement later this year.

Peter’s commitment to YSP and to the staff and artists he has worked with over the years has shown a rare dedication to enabling access to the arts, always seeking ways to break down barriers and engage people in culture.

His fundamental belief that education and learning should be pivotal to all other work continues. As well as enabling 500,000 visitors a year to see world-class exhibitions and works sited in a 500 acre historic landscape, YSP welcomes over 40,000 people to participate in learning opportunities and has inspired at least two generations to fulfil their creative potential.

Peter’s vision and determination which led to the evolution of this significant cultural centre have remained constant since its inception in 1977. Peter has led the organisation for over four decades, starting with £1,000 and no employees, and now employs over 200 people, generating c£11.5m for the regional economy.

Peter Clegg, Chair of YSP Trustees says:
“Through a combination of vision, tenacity and exemplary leadership Peter has created one of the country’s most cherished cultural institutions with a truly global reputation. We are delighted that his unique achievement has been recognised in this way.”

Peter Murray says:
“It is a great honour for me and YSP. I think the award acknowledges the importance of the organisation to the wider public and the contribution it continues to make to arts and culture, and the economy.”