The chief executive of CHART (Culture, Heritage and Arts Resource Trust) has been dumped before what the organisation's board describes as a review of its structure.
Chris Carey said he was unable to comment about the sudden termination of his contract. He has not been at work since November 30.
It is understood Mr Carey was to visit CHART's premises yesterday to remove his personal items from his office.
The sculptor, designer and arts academic was CHART North's inaugural chief executive and had been in the role since the organisation started in 2010.
A statement issued this week by the trust board said CHART has begun a review of its purpose and organisational structure "to ensure the organisation is meeting the objectives of its trust deed".