Contact welcomes new Artistic Director and CEO

KEISHA THOMPSON is Contact’s new Artistic Director and CEO.

A writer, performance artist and producer, she will be the first woman and youngest ever person to run the Manchester arts venue when she replaces Chief Executive MATT FENTON in June.

Thompson first performed at Contact aged 15 and was supported through its engagement programme as a young poet, writer and performance artist. In 2015, she became part of the venue’s core staff.

A member of the Greater Manchester Culture and Heritage Steering Group, Thompson is currently working with three theatres to stage The Bell Curves and creating a new children’s show Issy, BOSSS & Fractal.

She says her vision for Contact is to cultivate a culture and philosophy within the organisation where everyone feels the excitement of opportunity the arts venue can offer.

“I want to make sure that this ethos, culture and environment is protected because it was so beneficial for me and so many people that I know. It is how I became such a natural advocate for what Contact is about.”