After a recruitment process through the summer and autumn, we’re beyond excited to welcome our new Advisory Board and new Trustees to the Leeds33 family!
We had the privilege of kicking off the year with our first meeting, graciously hosted by Cockburn School. Angus Smith, Assistant Headteacher at Cockburn, gave us a warm welcome, and the students truly stole the show with their performances. The choir moved us all with a powerful rendition of Symphony, and we were captivated by a beautiful solo from a talented student flautist. Truly a moment to remember!
Next, our brilliant Chair, Dr. Briony Thomas, took the floor to share the exciting story of Leeds33. She spoke about the partnership’s incredible history, the impactful work we’ve done together, and the even bigger dreams and ambitions we have for the future.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce our new Advisory Board members and Trustees:
Board of Trustees:
- Dr Briony Thomas, Associate Professor, University of Leeds (Chair)
- Wendy Harris, Artistic Director, Tutti Frutti
- Matt McCallum, Associate Director of Programmes, UKRI
- Selina McGonagle, Executive Lead, Craven Arts House, and Independent Arts Advisor
- Angus Smith, Assistant Headteacher, Cockburn School
- Elvie Thompson, Lead Learning Producer North, British Library
Advisory Board:
- Ruth Cooper-Rowan, Artistic Director, Carriageworks Young Theatre Makers and Co-Artistic Director, Fidget Theatre
- Rachel Craddock, Learning Coordinator, Cultural Collections and galleries at University of Leeds Libraries, and Freelancer for Arts and Heritage Participation
- Hannah Farley, Principal Officer, Culture Programmes, Leeds City Council
- Kate Fellows, Head of Learning and Access, Leeds Museums and Galleries
- Carl Hartley, Lecturer in Journalism Practice, University of Leeds
- Louisa Keohane, Head of Performing Arts, Carr Manor Community School
- Rachel Rushton, Subject Leader of Music, Lawnswood School Leeds
- Jamie Taylor, Director of Collections, Programmes and Learning, Thackray Museum of Medicine
- Lisa Turney, Principal Officer, Culture Programmes, Leeds City Council
- Kathy Williams MBE, OLY, Director, RJC Dance
- David Wilson, Teacher and Creative Arts Curriculum Lead, Greenmount Primary School
- Jane Zanzottera, Arts Manager/ 0-19 Learning Improvement Consultant, Artforms, Learning Improvement, Leeds City Council
These dynamic individuals bring expertise from a wide array of art forms and sectors, and they’re joining forces with Leeds33 to help shape the cultural education of young people across the city. With their support, we’re ready to make even more waves in 2025 and beyond!
Curious to know more about our new team? Visit our website to explore their bios and learn more about the faces behind the vision!
We are so excited to work alongside this exceptional group of people and can’t wait for what lies ahead. A huge thank you to our Advisory Board and Trustees for supporting Leeds33 and its mission. And a heartfelt thanks to Cockburn School and its talented students for such a warm and memorable welcome.
Here’s to an incredible year ahead—2025, here we come!
Main image: The Leeds33 Advisory Board and Board of Trustees introduce themselves to each other.
Bottom images (left to right): The Leeds33 Chair, Dr Briony Thomas, welcomes the new team to Leeds33. The Cockburn School Choir perform to the Leeds33 Advisory Board and Trustees.
