Structural changes at Something To Aim For

Manchester-based arts charity Something To Aim For (STAF) has announced changes in leadership.

Executive Director of STAF JANET TAM will become Joint Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) while the organisation's Founder, Creative Director and CEO TRACY GENTLES gears up to join SICK! Productions as its Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer. 

Tam brings over 20 years of experience in disability arts, access and theatre. She was Executive Director of Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong before joining STAF in 2022.

Gentles previously founded companies including The Sick of the Fringe and In Company Collective.

She is currently Chair of HighRise Entertainment CIC, a trustee at Raze Collective and an inaugural member of Manchester City Council’s Cultural Consortium Steering Group. 

Gentles said: “What a journey! I am incredibly proud of what STAF has achieved in such a short time and excited to leave the organisation in Janet’s capable hands, as someone who’s approach I deeply admire. 

"I look forward to working with Janet in developing an ongoing strategic partnership between SICK! and STAF, aiming to further strengthen opportunities to support under-represented and marginalised artists across Greater Manchester, our shared home, and the UK.”

Tam added that Gentles has "paved a remarkable path" and is "honoured" to step into the position. 

Recruitment for a new role to complete the new leadership team will commence in the upcoming year.