On 1 April 2012 Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company will merge to create an entirely new production based multi-artform organisation. Jim Forrester, currently Director of the Imperial War Museum North, will chair the board of the new organisation. Philip Shapiro, who has chaired the Cornerhouse board for 15 years, will step down.
With a purpose-built home in central Manchester, opening in 2014, the new organisation will produce the best in contemporary theatre, visual art and film, learning and participation, creative industries and digital innovation.
Leading partner Manchester City Council is overseeing the creation of the new building, which will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the 20-acre First Street site and its neighbourhood, stimulating development and helping to unlock up to 10,000 jobs.
Jim Forrester will be working with the Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company senior management team to recruit trustees for the board. ‘I’m looking forward to taking the newly merged organisation through this exciting phase. I’ve long admired and enjoyed the work of both Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company and am excited about the opportunities the new cultural centre will bring to Manchester.’ comments Jim Forrester.
‘I’m delighted that Jim will be chairing our new board,’ comments Dave Moutrey, Director and Chief Executive at Cornerhouse and at the merged organisation, ‘He brings with him a wealth of relevant experience and an important network of contacts which will help us make our new organisation fit to take best advantage of our new home in 2014. I’d also like to thank Philip Shapiro for his leadership and the outstanding contribution he has made to the development of Cornerhouse over the last 15 years.’