A new director has been appointed to lead the Appetite arts programme in Stoke-on-Trent.
The New Vic Theatre has announced Emily Labhart will take the role from 20 April, bringing more than 12 years’ experience creating inclusive, community-rooted arts programmes across festivals, theatres and public spaces.
Appetite, led by the theatre, 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.
Emily’s 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.
The cultural producer and programme leader said she is delighted to be joining the organisation and described it as a privilege to be taking on the role.
Emily added: “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.”
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.”
