Manchester Literature Festival appoints Lowry leader as new chair

Manchester Literature Festival (MLF) has appointed one of its trustees GWEN OAKDEN as new chair of its board.

As deputy chief executive and director of development at Salford’s arts and cultural venue Lowry, Oakden plays a key role in driving fundraising, partnerships and strategic development for the organisation.

Oakden has also held roles at Arts and Business, Morris Hargreaves McIntyre, Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth, where she worked on the opening programme following a £15m capital project in 2015.

She also sits on the board of We Invented the Weekend festival.

Oakden said she was “thrilled” to take on the role of chair, saying, “This festival has long been a beacon for creativity and conversation, bringing world-class writers, poets, thinkers and diverse voices to the heart of our city region”.

“At a time when literature has the power to connect communities and spark change, I’m excited to work with the team to build on its incredible legacy and ensure it continues to inspire audiences for years to come,” she added.

During MLF’s 20th anniversary celebrations, its programme included welcoming writers such as ZADIE SMITH, SIMON ARMITAGE and MICK HERRON.

The festival’s co-directors CATHY BOLTON and SARAH-JANE ROBERTS said: “We feel very honoured to have Gwen as our new chair as we start the next chapter of MLF having just celebrated our twentieth anniversary.

“Gwen brings with her a wealth of skills and experience and a great passion for making literature and culture accessible for all.”