Award-winning executive producer revealed for Leeds 2023 project

Leeds based Emma Beverley will take up the role from January 2021 and will lead the delivery of a range of new artistic commissions, co-productions, collaborations and events in the lead up to and during Leeds 2023 Year of Culture.

Ms Beverley was part of the team who developed the original programme for what was set to be Leeds’ bid for European Capital of Culture 2023, before UK based bids were discontinued in light of Brexit.

Last year she was appointed co-director at East Street Arts, focusing on public programming, international strategy and business development. Prior to joining East Street Arts, she was the founding producer for multiple award-winning performance artist Selina Thompson and also worked as executive producer for Leeds based Eclipse Theatre Company.

She has also made and presented award-winning art in a range of contexts, including at the Royal Court Theatre and British Council Showcase and also much of her work has been embedded in Leeds’ communities, featuring more offbeat places such as pubs, clubs, cafes and derelict storage units.

Ms Beverley said: “Leeds has been the best place for me to grow as a producer. A huge part of that growth has been with East Street Arts and the wonderful team there, who I am deeply grateful to have worked with for the last two years.

"I can't imagine a more unique opportunity than this one, becoming part of the Leeds 2023 team and working with people across the city to make really special things happen. Leeds 2023 has a big role to play in the cultural sector's recovery over the next three years, and I am grateful I will be part of that journey.”

"Her experience of putting on cultural events and spectacles on both a large scale and in quirky, unconventional spaces is unrivalled as is her reputation for working collaboratively with independent artists and companies.

"Her passion and enthusiasm for Leeds means she already has some really exciting ideas for our year of culture in 2023. Emma joins our accomplished, dedicated team who are working towards celebrating the extraordinary everyday creativity of this wonderful city and showcasing Leeds’ cultural might to the rest of the world."

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