Currently our Head of Programmes, Kate will officially take up Debra King’s mantle from the end of February. Kate was selected by a panel featuring national representatives from across the sector, and two of our Trustees, after Debra’s decision to stand down last year.
Dr Virginia Tandy OBE, Chair of Trustees, says:
“The Board of Trustees are delighted with the appointment, following a competitive national recruitment process. Kate’s international reputation and profile, coupled with her detailed working knowledge of issues relating to equity, diversity and inclusion in music, make her the ideal person to progress Brighter Sound’s pioneering work at a critical time of development for our organisation.”
Kate has worked for Brighter Sound for over 15 years. Head of Programmes for 12, she is a musician herself and studied Music with a Masters in Cultural Policy. Most recently Kate completed a PhD researching the gender gap in the British Music industry. This research was practice-based and connected to the development of Brighter Sound’s ongoing gender-equality work.
As Director, Kate is keen to get under the skin of the challenges and barriers that young, emerging and established artists currently face, bringing new research and insights into policy conversations and campaigning for meaningful change. She is passionate about supporting a reinvestment in music and the arts in schools, tackling the recent devaluing of creative subjects. Kate is also excited to continue building the reputation of Manchester as a Music City on a global scale, starting with WOMEX 24 in Manchester.
Kate adds:
“I love Brighter Sound and I’m so very grateful to Debra and to colleagues past and present for the leadership, opportunities and support over the years to get to this point. I’m honoured to be entrusted to build on Debra and the team’s achievements and further our vision of fairness and equity on a global scale, while continuing to support and celebrate all the amazing talent from across the Greater Manchester city region and the North.”
