New director appointed to lead Appetite arts programme
Emily Labhart has been announced as the new director of Appetite, the Arts Council England Creative People and Places programme for Stoke-on-Trent
The New Vic Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Labhart as the new director of Appetite, the Arts Council England Creative People and Places programme for Stoke-on-Trent.
Emily, who will take up her role on Monday 20 April, is a cultural producer and programme leader with more than 12 years’ experience creating inclusive, community-rooted arts programmes across festivals, theatres and public spaces.
Her work has a strong focus on co-creation and access, shaped through projects including commissioning new work for Birmingham International Dance Festival, contributing to large-scale city-wide events such as Birmingham Weekender, and supporting artist development and touring through Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells.
Appetite has recently presented its Light Up Winter series of events in Middleport, Hanley and Newcastle, which drew thousands of people out into their communities across five evenings in January, February and March with light and sound installations.
Its annual summer festival The Big Feast returns to Hanley on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August.
Emily said: “I’m delighted to be joining Appetite at such an exciting moment for the programme and for Stoke-on-Trent. As someone based in the Midlands, it’s a real privilege to be taking on this role. Appetite’s commitment to community-led decision-making, alongside ambitious, high-quality artistic work, is something I deeply believe in.
“The programme’s work in Stoke-on-Trent demonstrates the power of culture to bring people together and to reflect the identity and creativity of a place. I’m really looking forward to working with communities, artists and partners across the city to build on that foundation and continue developing a programme that is welcoming, representative and rooted in the life of the city.”
Appetite is part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, designed to engage more people in arts and culture in areas where involvement has historically been lower. Appetite is led by the New Vic Theatre and works closely with local communities, artists and partners to deliver projects that inspire creativity and connection.
New Vic Theatre artistic director Theresa Heskins said: “Emily brings a calm, collaborative approach, along with a strong track record of working across complex partnerships and public-facing programmes, and we are delighted to welcome her to Appetite.”