Thirsk-based charity Rural Arts will soon have a new CEO at the helm.
Michael Slavin joins the organisation from York Theatre Royal where he spent five years as operations director.
The news comes following the recent announcement from Arts Council England that Rural Arts will receive an increase in funding.
Michael said he had a raft of exciting plans to further enhance the work of outgoing CEO, Max May.
Michael said: “As someone who grew up in North Yorkshire and has a deep love for its people and places, the opportunity to lead Rural Arts was irresistible and I’m delighted to be joining in the New Year.
“It’s an incredible organisation which delivers a diverse and engaging range of projects across a huge geographic area whilst genuinely changing people’s lives for the better.
“The range of partners Rural Arts works with shows how embedded the organisation is within North Yorkshire. This was further reinforced by the recent Arts Council England National Portfolio announcement where Rural Arts was one of select organisations to receive an uplift, proving just how strong the performance of the organisation has been over the last few years.
“This is a credit to Max and the team at Rural Arts, and I look forward to driving forward with their exciting plans.”
When Michael starts his new job on January 3, 2023, he says his focus will be on evolution, not revolution.
Michael and the team will continue to work with residents of North Yorkshire to understand how the organisation can support them, while being dynamic and innovative in finding solutions that have a positive impact on wellbeing.
This will be done in conjunction with existing and new partners – such as the work Rural Arts does with North Yorkshire Together to deliver the FEAST programme, which this summer delivered over 40,000 places and meals to young people who normally receive benefits related free school meals.
Michael adds: “In short, under my leadership, Rural Arts will continue to deliver a diverse programme of work to allow every person and every community in rural North Yorkshire to access culture and I can’t wait to embrace this new challenge in the New Year.”
Outgoing CEO Max said: “Leading Rural Arts for the last four years has been an immense privilege. Having started my career as an intern at the organisation, being able to return to steer it was a dream come true.
“I grew up in rural North Yorkshire so know first-hand how important our work is, and the difference it makes to our communities.”
He added: “I’m excited to be staying involved with the organisation as Strategic Director of North Yorkshire Together – the partnership between Rural Arts, North Yorkshire Sport and North Yorkshire Youth, that delivers FEAST, our programme of free food and activities for young people on benefits-related Free School Meals.
“I also probably won’t be able to stay away from The Courthouse café for too long, our Viennese whirls are out of this world!”
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