Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester’s landmark cultural venue Aviva Studios and the biennial Manchester International Festival (MIF), today confirms the appointment of seven new members to its Board of Trustees.
Poet, playwright, broadcaster and memoirist Lemn Sissay and acclaimed broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake join the Board alongside Global Director of Sales at White Cube Leila Alexander, Factory Assembly and People’s Forum member Candice Hull, entrepreneur and business consultant Thom Hetherington, performer and creative facilitator Josh Wilkinson (in one of two designated slots for young people), and Global advertising, media and communications executive John Dunleavy.
Lemn Sissay says: “I am honoured to be appointed as a trustee of Factory International, an organisation that embodies Manchester’s pioneering spirit. From Manchester International Festival to Aviva Studios and Factory Academy, their commitment to bold, boundary-pushing creativity is inspiring. I look forward to supporting their vision in shaping the future of the arts.”
Nihal Arthanayake says “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. You only have to take a glance at the upcoming events schedule to see a programme rich with cultural insights, intellectual curiosity and mountains of joy. 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.”
Moira Sinclair, Chair of the Factory International Board of Trustees, said: “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. That we can attract candidates of such high calibre says much about where Factory International is right now, with Aviva Studios a thriving addition to the city and Manchester International Festival 2025 ready to wow in July.”
Candice Hull says: “I am honoured to be appointed to the Board of Trustees representing the People’s Forum. I’ve been fortunate in being part of projects like The Welcome, which embraced multiple diverse communities, in both welcoming them into Aviva Studios and in presenting their works – and I’ve seen the sparks of joy in faces and the connection that it brings! I’m excited to get started, meet the rest of the trustees, and contribute to the ongoing success and growth of Factory International.
