Manchester International Festival has announced 4 new board members and a new Venue Director for The Factory.
The board members include journalist, Shaminder Nahal, who’s Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor for Arts and Topical.
“I’m so excited to be joining the board at MIF, which I believe is one of the most brilliant and mind-blowing arts festivals in the world – especially at a time when it’s more important than ever to be thinking about what the arts mean to the fabric of all our lives, how the arts can help inspire, disrupt, challenge and bring people together,” she explained.
Nahal will be joined by former Manchester United and England footballer, Gary Neville; entrepreneur, Grace Ladoja; and visual artist, Ibrahim Mahama.
The board has also appointed Sheena Wrigley as Venue Director of The Factory.
Wrigley has previously held senior positions at Palace Theatre & Opera House, Manchester; West Yorkshire Playhouse (now Leeds Playhouse), and was Executive Director of HOME where she played a leading role in the successful opening of the new venue.
“The Factory will have enormous impact for communities, audiences and the cultural ecology of the north of England. I am thrilled to be part of this ambitious, international adventure and to have a role in shaping a new kind of arts company, rooted in a part of the UK I care passionately about,” said Wrigley.
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Manchester International Festival added:
“These fantastic individuals all excel in their fields and we are overjoyed to have them join the team at such a transformative time for us as an organisation. As we grow into operating The Factory, our new year-round home in the city, each will help guide us with fresh ideas and innovative ways of working, building on our international achievements and allowing us to grow ever-deeper connections in the city.”
The 2021 edition of Manchester International Festival takes place from 1-18 July.
