Hall for Cornwall and performing arts development agency The Works, have joined forces in a merger that will see the expansion of talent development across Cornwall.
The merger, officially completed in October, means that HFC’s capacity is broadened to offer more people in communities across Cornwall access to artistic development, opportunities and support.
The Works, who were previously based at Krowji in Redruth, have relocated to the Hall for Cornwall and have now become part of the new Arts Development team, led by newly appointed senior manager Michael White. Michael, who has previously worked for Battersea Arts Centre, Southwark Council, Graeae Theatre Company and a wide range of arts and performance companies has over fifteen years’ experience in producing and theatre.
Up until April 2014, the new arts development team will be fulfilling current commitments, reflecting upon past activity and planning for the next phase.
“The creation of the new Arts Development Team presents exciting opportunities to encourage social and economic growth in Cornwall, to invest in skills development and expand the reach across the region for artists, practitioners and professionals. This is an exciting time for culture in Cornwall and we welcome our new colleagues from The Works. We will continue working hard to engage people of all ages, to experience the broad range of performance that the region offers,” says Michael White, Head of Arts Development
Alongside Michael joining the team, Helen Bishop-Stephens has now joined Hall for Cornwall as the new Head of Audiences and Programming.
Helen comes to Hall For Cornwall from Arts Council England London and has extensive experience in arts administration. Originally from Truro, career highlights include producing Cheltenham Music Festival, programming at Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham and supporting the development of new stage work at the English National Opera Studio.
‘Bringing together audiences and programming gives us a fantastic opportunity to develop the range of work on offer at Hall For Cornwall. By investigating the relationship our audience has with its theatre, we can think more deeply about how we serve the community and aim, with the development of new talent, to bring that distinctive, local voice to the stage.’ Helen Bishop-Stephens, Head of Audiences and Programming.
Sarah Pym, Theatre Development adds: “The Works team is excited to be teaming up with HFC. We are confident of the potential benefits this joined up approach will bring to the performing arts sector and its audiences.”
“We celebrate the talent that has come out of Cornwall and, despite the challenges of a difficult economic climate, we are determined that creativity and excellence will continue to be supported in Cornwall for the benefit of all.” Julien Boast, Director Hall for Cornwall
