Broadcasters, advertisers and entrepreneurs are among some of the new names added to Factory International’s Board of Trustees.
The organisation behind Aviva Studios and the Manchester International Festival has appointed 7 new Trustees, who are:
- Poet, playwright, broadcaster and memoirist Lemn Sissay;
- Broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake
- Global advertising, media and communications executive John Dunleavy – WPP, IPG and Publicis
- Global Director of Sales at White Cube, Leila Alexander
- Factory Assembly and People’s Forum member Candice Hull
- Entrepreneur and business consultant Thom Hetherington and
- Performer and creative facilitator Josh Wilkinson – in one of two designated slots for young people.
“I am honoured to be appointed as a trustee of Factory International, an organisation that embodies Manchester’s pioneering spirit,” said Sissay.
“[…] their commitment to bold, boundary-pushing creativity is inspiring. I look forward to supporting their vision in shaping the future of the arts.”
Arthanayake added:
“Every time I walk into Aviva Studios, I am blown away by the scale, adaptability and ambition of the place, so I jumped at the chance to contribute my time and energy to a place I truly regard to be one of the world’s most important spaces for creativity to flourish. You only have to take a glance at the upcoming events schedule to see a programme rich with cultural insights, intellectual curiosity and mountains of joy. Collaboration, a diversity of partners, and a commitment to the many different communities that exist in and around Manchester drew me in, and now as a Trustee I very much hope that I can help in some small way to aid in helping Factory International develop even further.”
Factory International commissions, produces and presents a year-round programme of original creative work and special events at Aviva Studios.
The city-wide Manchester International Festival (MIF) is held every other year, while Aviva Studios, which opened in October 2023 was named as one of TIME magazine’s 100 best places in the world.
“Our arts and cultural organisations are reliant on the contribution of their trustees, who bring talent, expertise, and insight to support these important community assets,” explained Moira Sinclair, Chair of the Factory International Board of Trustees.
“I am grateful to our outgoing friends, who have reached their end of the term, and delighted to welcome such a fine new cohort. That we can attract candidates of such high calibre says much about where Factory International is right now, with Aviva Studios a thriving addition to the city and Manchester International Festival 2025 ready to wow in July.”
