Press Release: Phoenix Dance announces new Chair

[Jan McNulty]

Keith Evans confirmed as Chair of Phoenix Dance Theatre

 

Phoenix Dance Theatre has confirmed the appointment of Keith Evans as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Artistic Director Sharon Watson said,

 

“We are delighted to be able to make this announcement. Keith Evans offers us an enormous amount of experience and enthusiasm. Phoenix exists to bring dance to people and people to dance. As an organisation with a highly skilled and motivated team we do this with honesty, integrity, generosity, curiosity and determination. We are such a diverse organisation, steeped in history and driven by excellence that finding the right individual to support our aspirations was vital. We are absolutely thrilled that Keith is now a part of that team.”

 

Commenting on his appointment Keith said,

 

“Phoenix Dance Theatre is one of the brightest jewels in Yorkshire’s cultural crown.  I am therefore deeply honoured to have been appointed as its Chair and proud to be associated with an organisation which holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts, both here in the UK and overseas. Next year is the Company’s 35^th anniversary and I hope that working alongside Sharon Watson and her team, my fellow board members and our funding partners we can use this platform as a great base from which the Company can achieve all of its artistic, social and commercial ambitions in the coming years.”

 

 

Keith Evans is the Managing Director of CidaCo, the UK’s leading management consultancy for the creative and cultural industries. He has worked in over 20 different countries and specialises in innovation, commercialisation, strategic planning, digital technology and resilience in the arts.

 

Formed in 1981 in inner-city Leeds, Phoenix Dance Theatre has grown to be one of Britain's leading international dance companies. As a repertory company, Phoenix aims to bring together the best choreographers from the international contemporary dance world. A diverse company of dancers works with these choreographers and the Artistic Director to create innovative work, which is communicative, highly accessible and represents the cultural diversity and experience of life in multi-cultural society. Phoenix is inclusive and open to people from all backgrounds. The company has a commitment to widening access to dance through its education, audience development and creative programmes. Phoenix Dance Education’s highly acclaimed programme of education work promotes participation in the arts as a stimulating and creative pursuit within schools and community settings. The company takes on dance apprentices and dancers are encouraged to develop their skills as teachers and choreographers. Sharon Watson was appointed as Artistic Director in 2009. A more detailed history of Phoenix is available at www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk