HOME appoints trustees to lead new era

HOME, Manchester’s new centre for contemporary visual art, theatre has apponted its new chair of the board of trustees, Jonty Claypole – director of Arts at the BBC.

It has also trumpeted trustees Maria Bota, creative producer for the biennial IF: Milton Keynes International Arts Festival, and Alison Ross, customer experience & operations Director at Auto Trader Group, Manchester.

HOME’s outgoing chair, Jim Forrester, steps down this month, having helped to bring the purpose-built £25m venue to life.

He joined the board of Greater Manchester Arts Centre in 2012, and, together with HOME’s Trustees, has led the organisation through the successful development of a new building and the merger of its two founding companies, Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company.

Forrester said: “As Chair of Trustees over the last few years, I am delighted that we have been able to create a superb new cross-art venue for the city-region and to settle the combined teams from Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company into their new base.

“HOME is now open and flourishing, and it has been a pleasure to see how audiences, artists, staff and sponsors have reacted to the programme of new theatre, exhibitions and films.

“I am particularly proud of the engagement work we do that gives talented young people from the region the opportunity to develop their skills and experience.”

Dave Moutrey, director and chief executive of HOME, added: “HOME and I owe Jim a great debt of gratitude for his tireless work and commitment. He has been a great friend of the organisation, and his leadership and counsel have been crucial in the creation of the new building and organisation. We wish him success for the future.