Executive Director and Trustees appointed for Leeds 2023

Leeds 2023 has named MARK HOLLANDER as its Executive Director. Currently Executive Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre, his appointment follows that of Creative Director KULLY THIARAI. Together they will be working on creating a year-long festival of culture that delivers a lasting legacy in the city.

Twelve Trustees have also been appointed: RUTH PITT (Chair), Councillors JUDITH BLAKE and DAN COHEN, former professonal sportspeople JAMIE JONES BUCHANAN and SANCHEZ PAYNE, University of Leeds Professor FRANK FINLAY, King's College London Fellow SUE HOYLE, former Yorkshire Museums Council Chief Executive BARBARA WORONCOW, Phoenix Dance Theatre Artistic Director SHARON WATSON, SHARON GLASDISH, an accountant, KEVIN ARROWSMITH, a solicitor, and the Creative Director of Thompson Brand Partners, IAN THOMPSON.

Leeds 2023 was originally the city’s bid for European Capital of Culture status before the Brexit referendum result halted progress. Leeds City Council decided to keep its core funding pledge of £12m and Leeds Culture Trust has been set up to deliver the festival.