New chair sought for Cockermouth charity

A lively Cockermouth charity with ambitious plans for the future is looking for a new chair to lead its Board of Trustees.

Kirkgate Arts and Heritage runs Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre entertainment venue as well as a host of other arts and heritage activities throughout West Cumbria.

The previous chair, Marion Bowman, is retiring after 8 years on the Board and her successor will guide the implementation of the charity’s plans for the future.

There is now a lot of new blood at the Kirkgate both on the Board and amongst the staff,’ said Marion. ‘Our new General Manager Emma Heys is doing a great job with the day to day operations and there are lots of new initiatives in hand. The organisation is in great shape, having negotiated the pandemic well. It’s a good time to pass the baton to someone who can push on into the next phase of Kirkgate’s development as an essential fixture of life in Cockermouth and West Cumbria.

‘Our 5 year strategic plan involves some new capital developments and income streams and we promise an interesting and rewarding experience for whoever takes on this role,’ said Emma Heys. ‘We have a strong track record of working successfully to develop the part we play in Cumbria’s social and cultural life.’

The charity is advertising the vacancy for chair on its website. Potential candidates are asked to EMAIL to find out more.

 ENDS

 NOTES TO EDITORS

Kirkgate is a charity based in Cockermouth, Cumbria.  It operates an arts and heritage centre as well as working with towns and villages in West Cumbria to encourage a diverse programme of arts, culture and entertainment.  Its vision is to ensure that creative talent is valued, developed and supported with opportunities for all to engage actively with, and enjoy, the arts, local heritage and community life.

The Kirkgate Centre brings the best cultural, theatrical and entertainment events to Cumbria. From the best feature and documentary films to live streaming of top London shows, to local talent, heritage exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy and more, there is something for everyone.

In the historic Kirkgate Quarter of the Gem Town of Cockermouth, sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park, the Kirkgate Centre is the perfect venue for special occasions, conferences, meetings, courses, exhibitions or private film screenings.

Kirkgate manages Arts Out West which stages performances in community venues from Furness to the Solway, ranging from nationally-recognised theatre companies to international musicians with events that are as much a social occasion as a performance.  It is a member of the National Rural Touring Forum supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.

Follow @kirkgatearts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

For more information:
Emma Heys 01900 829966
EMAIL
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ