New Executive Lead for Craven Arts

SELINA MCGONAGLE has been appointed the new Executive Lead at North Yorkshire arts organisation Craven Arts. She replaces ANN RUTHERFORD, who will retire at the end of July after over three years as Director of the company.

McGonagle works in various freelance roles, including Producer at the University of Leeds, Mentor at South Asian Arts UK, and Independent Advisor at Youth Music.

She spent eight years as Director of the Geraldine Connor Foundation, a performing arts charity focused on developing opportunities and the careers of young creatives in Leeds. Before this, she was Director Of Learning at Northern Ballet and Education and Community Manager at Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

McGonagle said she was “delighted" to join Craven Arts and looked forward to developing its offering.

"Craven Arts is recognised for its visual arts courses, exhibitions, and studios. As a senior leader who has worked in the performing arts sector, I am pleased to see the development of activity across a broader range of art forms, and I relish the opportunity to work to improve access to the arts for young people in the district. 

“Throughout my career I have worked across the northern region, I am a proud northerner who wants the best for our region and communities.”

Chair of the Craven Arts Board of Trustees, DAVID HAWKINS, said McGonagle would be “a significant addition” to the arts and culture scene in North Yorkshire.