New executive director to lead culture programme

Leeds 2023 has appointed Mark Hollander as the organisation’s executive director.

His appointment follows that of creative director Kully Thiarai who will begin work with Leeds 2023 in January, with Mark joining in the first quarter of the year.

Leeds 2023 was originally the city’s bid for European Capital of Culture status before the Brexit referendum result halted progress. In acknowledgement of the social and economic value of culture in any city region, Leeds City Council decided to keep its original core funding pledge of £12m in place.

Since then Leeds 2023 has been established as the independent Leeds Culture Trust. The charity is charged with raising the additional funds required and delivering a ambitious year-long festival of culture in 2023.

The trust will work in partnership with a wide range of artistic, creative, business and community groups to ensure local involvement, creative ambition and global reach.

“The groundwork has now been completed and we begin ramping up our plans in early 2020,” says culture trust chair Ruth Pitt, “and Mark is the perfect person to deliver a fantastic investment programme leading to a year of culture that will change the way people see Leeds forever.”

During Mark’s tenure at Phoenix Dance Theatre he has helped develop the Company’s international ambition, with Phoenix performing in Cannes, Germany and China, and has overseen the production of Windrush: Movement of the People by Sharon Watson, The Rite of Spring by Jeanguy Saintus and Calyx by Sandrine Monin as well as revivals; Beast by Douglas Thorpe, NightLife at the Flamingo by Edward Lynch, Maybe Yes Maybe, Maybe No Maybe by Aletta Collins and Shadows by Christopher Bruce CBE.

Mark commented: “I am proud, excited and privileged to take up the role as Executive Director of Leeds 2023.

“This is an opportunity to give something amazing back to Leeds after the city has creatively enriched my life over many years. I am thrilled to be working with Kully and the team to ensure the expression of our city’s unique cultural life is experienced by all, in astounding and lasting ways.”