Factory International makes board appointments

Seven new trustees have been announced by Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester’s Aviva Studios and Manchester International Festival.

Joining the board are poet, playwright, broadcaster and memoirist LEMN SISSAY and broadcaster NIHAL ARTHANAYAKE alongside White Cube’s global director of sales LEILA ALEXANDER, Factory Assembly and People’s Forum member CANDICE HULL, entrepreneur and business consultant THOM HETHERINGTON, and advertising, media and communications executive JOHN DUNLEAVY.

Performer and creative facilitator JOSH WILKINSON also joins in one of two designated slots for young people.

Outgoing trustees are GARY NEVILLE, GRACE LADOJA, IBRAHIM MAHAMA and MARIA BALSHAW.

Arthanayake said: “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.

“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.”

Chair MOIRA SINCLAIR added: “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. I am grateful to our outgoing friends, who have reached their end of the term, and delighted to welcome such a fine new cohort.”