The Goldsmiths’ Foundation appoints new inaugural director

The Goldsmiths’ Foundation, a non-profit organisation that focuses on advancing creative, technical, and vocational skills, particularly in goldsmithing, silversmithing, jewellery, has appointed Joseph Hallgarten as its inaugural director.

With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, Hallgarten is a respected educator and specialist in education policy and practice, with a particular expertise in creative learning, and a track record of achieving impact for young people.

Starting his career as a primary school teacher in London and Manchester, his expertise and interest in creative learning has seen him take on a range of leadership roles in the non-profit sector.

These include being the CEO for the Centre for Education and Youth, the director of Education at the RSA and director of RSA Global, and the learning director for Creative Partnerships, the world’s largest ever school creativity programme.

He is also an associate at Creativity, Culture and Education, a member of the Cultural Learning Alliance advisory group and a trustee of Fuel Theatre.

On taking up the role Hallgarten will become the first director of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation – which supports organisations that focus on vocational skills and training and works at the intersection of creativity and social change – as it launches its first round of grant funding, and heads towards the fruition of its first four Landmark Programme projects in 2027.

Hallgarten said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the first director of the Foundation, leading Goldsmiths’ philanthropic programmes as the company heads towards its 700th anniversary in 2027.

“While charity has been at the heart of the company for seven centuries, this renewed focus on support for technical, vocational skills and training is an incredible opportunity to realise the potential of the creative industries and put craft skills and creative talent at the heart of flourishing education institutions, communities and society.”

Lynne Brindley, chair of the Goldsmiths’ Foundation trustee board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joseph as our first foundation director. The depth and breadth of his experience, coupled with his creative and strategic perspectives within the non-profit and education sectors will be invaluable in supporting us to achieve our ambitious philanthropic goals as we head towards 2027 and beyond.”