The Lowry has announced the first of two appointments that will be responsible for delivering its artistic vision following the death of the venue’s founding artistic director, Robert Robson, in September.
Meanwhile Robert has been given a posthumous award at the 2013 Empty Space Peter Brook Awards. It is for “his astounding achievement in creating an international arts venue of The Lowry by producing great works of international companies while developing the Studio theatre for the young emerging theatre companies who have no other means of support—he will be greatly missed.”
The Lowry won a Peter Brook award last year for “supporting the development of new theatre companies”.
Although Robert Robson’s successor is yet to be chosen Michael Simpson has been appointed director of visual arts and engagement. In this role, he will be responsible for the venue’s collection of L S Lowry work as well as visiting exhibitions such as the current Defining Me: Musical Adventures in Manchester and the Performer as Curator programme, which launched last month with Alison Goldfrapp.
Simpson, who has been with The Lowry since 2008—most recently in the role of head of visual arts and engagement—will take up the post with immediate effect. Working alongside Simpson will be a director of theatres who will be responsible for The Lowry’s flagship Lyric Theatre, 450-seat Quays Theatre and Studio space.
Recruitment has commenced and it is hoped an appointment will be made before Christmas, with the successful applicant in post in early 2014.
Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry, said: "Robert Robson provided inspirational artistic leadership to The Lowry from the moment we opened our doors in 2000 and it was a great source of pride to him that War Horse—one of his final projects—became the best-selling show in our history.”