We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new Board members: the writer Jeanette Winterson, journalist Ngozi (Goz) Ugochukwu, and Chief Executive, Food, The Co-op, Jo Whitfield.

The new members bring substantial insight and experience to MIF’s Board, currently chaired by Urban Splash founder Tom Bloxham MBE, as it continues to ensure that the organisation is equipped to build on the success it has had since being launched in 2007.

Their appointment comes at a significant time for MIF, as we plan for next year’s Festival and look ahead to the opening of our future home, The Factory – the major arts space currently being built in Manchester – plus our continuing programme of pre-Factory events.

MIF, like the rest of the cultural sector, is also responding to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis and has already brought in a number of new initiatives  – these include the MIF LIVE programme of online events and a series of commissions to support local artists during lockdown.

Tom Bloxham MBE, Manchester International Festival Chair, commented: “We are really delighted to welcome Jeanette, Goz and Jo onto the MIF Board. They have fantastic enthusiasm and energy, plus a breadth of experience and knowledge that is going to be invaluable as we take forward our plans for the next few years.

“As well as planning next year’s Festival, we are developing our plans for The Factory, which marks a real step change, not just for the organisation, but for Manchester and the whole of the country. We’re building a strong and talented team to ensure we have the resilience and a robust strategy in place so that we can continue to produce thrilling art and reach even more people. This will be even more crucial as we all come to terms with Covid-19 and its full impact becomes clearer.”

MIF made a number of other significant staff appointments earlier this year, to strengthen the team as we prepare for The Factory. They are Executive Director Randel Bryan, whose background includes Endemol Shine and Discovery Education; Director of Music Jane Beese, who has joined from the Roundhouse; and Helen Faulkner, Director of Audiences, who comes from the Southbank Centre.