MAYK co-director departs

MATTHEW AUSTIN will step down as co-director of Bristol-based live performance producing organisation MAYK at the end of June.

Austin co-founded MAYK with KATE YEDIGAROFF in 2011, following four years producing the Bristol-based festival, Mayfest, together. Yedigaroff will continue to lead the Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation as artistic director.

Austin also works as a consultant and advisor to arts organisations, funders and academic institutions, chairs the Bristol Culture Network and sits on the One City Culture board.

Before MAYK, he held marketing roles for organisations including Bristol Old Vic, Spike Island and Tobacco Factory.

“For nearly 14 years, I’ve had the deep privilege of co-leading this extraordinary organisation,” said Austin. “It has been a joyful, often difficult, and always meaningful journey. And now, it’s time for me to step back, and for MAYK to begin its next chapter.

“I’ll remain close by as a trustee of MAYK, supporting from a new position, as this small but mighty team continues doing what they do best: making space for the extraordinary.”

Yedigaroff added, “ I feel so lucky to have adventured with Matthew in this way through our long collaboration and will miss him terribly.”