Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester-based venue, Aviva Studios, has appointed Moira Sinclair OBE as its new chair of trustees.
Sinclair will take over from Tom Bloxham MBE in January 2024, following his final board meeting.
Sinclair has a wealth of experience in senior roles in the arts and cultural sector and is a graduate of Manchester University.
Formerly executive director for Arts Council England, she currently acts as chief executive of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. She is also chair of Clore Leadership, chair of the London Mayor’s Cultural Strategy Board and a member of the British Library Advisory Council.
She said: “My guiding star has always been a commitment to supporting access to the very best, ambitious, thrilling arts and culture, for everyone – artists, producers, audiences – and that is why I am truly honoured to take on the role.
“I am looking forward to building on Tom Bloxham’s incredible legacy as chair and to working with John McGrath, the team and my fellow trustees to shape a future full of possibility and purpose.”
As chair of Factory International, Sinclair will oversee the board for the organisation that produces and programmes both Manchester International Festival (MIF) and Aviva Studios.
Designed by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), Aviva Studios is located at the centre of the new St.John’s neighbourhood in Manchester. Its development has been led by Manchester City Council, with backing of £99.05m from HM Government and £7m National Lottery funding from Arts Council England.
