Keith Merrin is the Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM) overseeing its nine museums which include 3 of the top 5 most visited free attractions in the North East (Great North Museum, Discovery and Laing Art Gallery) as well as two sites on the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage site. Together these venues welcome over 1 million visitors each year.   

TWAM also delivers a public archive service, innovative digital programmes and award-winning activities with young people and delivering health and wellbeing outcomes for communities through culture. 

Keith was previously Chief Executive of Sunderland Culture, Director of the National Glass Centre, Director of Museums Northumberland, Creative Director of NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Director of Marketing and Fundraising at the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. 

Keith is Co-Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Cultural Venues (NGCV), an executive committee member of the National Museum Directors Council (NMDC) and a board member of both the Virgin Money Foundation and North East Culture Partnership. 

Return to judges