Heart of Glass announces new chair

Merseyside community arts organisation Heart of Glass has appointed TRACY GENTLES as its new Chair. 

Gentles will take up post later this year, succeeding JOANNE ROWLANDS, who steps down after nine years in the post.

Currently Artistic Director and CEO of the Manchester-based arts and health-focused organisation SICK! Festival, Gentles' previous experience includes founding Creative Director and CEO of Something To Aim For and leadership roles in The Sick of the Fringe and In Company Collective.

She is an Artist Fellow at Queen Mary University of London, Chair of the Advisory Board at HighRise Entertainment CIC, and an appointed member of Manchester City Council’s Cultural Consortium Steering Group.

Gentles said she was “immensely honoured” to be stepping into the role of Chair “at a pivotal moment for the UK arts sector”. 

“Heart of Glass occupies a unique position, and I am excited to work with such a talented team and fellow trustees to build upon the organisation’s impact to date and ensure Heart of Glass remains a leading voice in this vital work.”

PATRICK FOX, CEO of Heart of Glass, paid tribute to Rowlands, saying: “As we celebrate ten years of existence, developing against the backdrop of various challenging factors, Joanna always advocated for commitment to fairness and being led by values, which has become part of the DNA of Heart of Glass. We look forward to working with her in new ways going forward."

He added, “We’re equally thrilled to welcome Tracy to team Heart of Glass. Tracy’s experience, knowledge and energy, alongside her commitment to supporting artists and communities, will be an incredible asset to the organisation as we embark on our next decade of development.”