Broadcaster Ekow Eshun becomes new director of ICA

The writer and broadcaster Ekow Eshun has been appointed artistic director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London after a long search to replace Philip Dodd, who stood down last autumn.

The writer and broadcaster Ekow Eshun has been appointed artistic director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London after a long search to replace Philip Dodd, who stood down last autumn.

Mr Eshun, 36, who was the youngest editor of a British men's magazine when he ran the style and entertainment title Arena, becomes the first black person to run a major British cultural institution.

In a statement yesterday, he said: "I first visited the ICA when I was 18 and I've been committed to it since because it's a place that remains dedicated to exploring new ideas. That's why the ICA is important: it challenges the way you think. I am delighted to have this opportunity to ensure the ICA continues to present work that is passionate, provocative and speaks of now."

Critics of his predecessor claim there is much to be done. Although Mr Dodd saved the ICA from financial crisis, some felt it lost its cutting edge. They also criticised his taste in visual arts and emphasis on new digital technologies.

But Alan Yentob, the senior BBC executive who is the ICA chairman, said that was unfair, although he conceded it was a good time to question what the institution was for. "Of course one can improve and there should be a debate about what the ICA is for, but it's still a pretty vigorous institution," he said.

"The ICA is about ideas, it's a place which is there to thicken the plot of the arts in Britain. And the thing about Ekow is he's not only a passionate advocate of the arts, but he's got very broad interests in architecture, in music, in literature and the fine arts. He's the right age and he was very convincing about his vision for the ICA." In addition to broadcasting on BBC's Newsnight Review and writing for assorted publications, Mr Eshun has founded his own entrepreneurial creative consultancy whose clients include Sony PlayStation. He is a governor of the University of the Arts London, and a board member of Tate Members, working on acquisitions for the galleries. He was formerly a member of the ICA council, helping administer the artistic programme as well as the budget.

Mr Yentob said that Mr Eshun had obviously not been appointed because he was black. "But it has to be said, given how multiculturalism has invigorated Britain in recent years, it is surprising no one [from the black community] has been appointed before. Maybe it's the start of a trend."

Several names had been associated with the post since Mr Dodd announced his decision last July to quit and start a cultural consultancy in China. The most prominent name to circulate was that of a brilliant Swiss curator, Hans Ulrich Obrist. Mr Yentob said Mr Obrist was not available as a candidate because he had too many commitments.