Leadership change at SICK! Festival

Manchester-based arts organisation SICK! Productions, also known as SICK! Festival has announced that founder and current Artistic Director (AD) and Chief Executive HELEN MEDLAND will step down after 24 years at the organisation's helm.

Medland will be succeeded by TRACY GENTLES, current founder, Creative Director and Chief Executive of Something to Aim For.

SICK! Productions has recently appointed new Board members, including Director of Healthwatch Brighton & Hove CHRISTINE D'CRUZ as Chair along with CEO and AD of Fabric PAUL RUSS as a trustee after all, board members left their roles in a mass departure from the National Portfolio Organisation. 

Medland commented: "As the festival’s founder, I have been on a journey lasting more than two decades, and I have been privileged to enjoy incredible experiences with amazing artists and partners from around the world.

"I believe now is the right time for me to hand over to new leadership, who can bring a fresh perspective and a distinct vision to the SICK! Festival."

Gentles added: "Having grown up in East Manchester and spending the last 15 years working across the UK, I am so excited to be back in the city I love and to deepen SICK!’s work and connections here."

"We’ll aim to support capacity building of others, building a vision together, whilst staying true to SICK! purpose of tackling difficult subjects affecting our mental and physical health. I can’t wait to get going.”