Following a hugely competitive recruitment process 34 year old Jonathan Harper has been appointed as Wales Millennium Centre’s new Director of Marketing and Communications. Originally from Manchester, Jonathan Harper has considerable experience in arts marketing, having held the role of Marketing Director at The Lowry, in Salford Quays for the past five years. Like the Centre, The Lowry is recognised as one of the most successful Millennium projects, attracting over 800,000 visitors each year and showcasing a local, national and international programme of performing, visual and participatory arts. Last year Jonathan Harper contributed to the success of The Lowry’s 10th anniversary programme, attracting new mixes of audiences and raising the profile of the venue as it celebrated ten years of ‘creative excellence’. During his 13 year career in the arts Jonathan has also held roles working within the live music sector, including experience leading the marketing team at Colston Hall, Bristol, growing audiences across a range of genres in the years leading up to the redevelopment of the South West’s largest concert hall. In announcing the appointment today Mark Taylor, the Chief Executive of Wales Millennium Centre, said, ‘We are delighted to have attracted someone of Jonathan’s experience to join the Centre at this next phase in its development. Having worked in a flagship Millennium project in a similar recently regenerated environment, Jonathan knows only too well the opportunities as well as the challenges that exist to attract new audiences, increase footfall and tourist visitation. Jonathan has a particular interest in online marketing, and joins at an exciting time for us, when we will be launching our new website, as well as developing an overarching digital strategy for the Centre.’ Jonathan Harper added, “Whilst I have enjoyed every minute of my time at The Lowry and will miss it tremendously, I am excited about taking up this new role at Wales Millennium Centre. The level of ambition and expertise within the organisation is second to none. I look forward to playing my part in attracting local, national and international audiences to the venue and ensuring that the Centre is positioned as a major beacon for culture in Wales. His Chief Executive Officer at the Lowry Julia Fawcett, in paying tribute to Jonathan’s immense contribution to the growth of the venue over the past five years, said ‘We are very sad that Jonathan is leaving The Lowry but after 5 years we respect his decision to seek a new challenge. Jonathan has contributed an extraordinary amount to The Lowry during his time in office. The growth in online sales, the development of our third-party ticketing operation and the success of our Lowry membership scheme are just some of the areas where we have benefited hugely from his leadership. His departure will be a huge loss for me personally but I’m sure he will make a fantastic contribution to Wales Millennium Centre and I wish him every success in his new role’. |
| wales millennium centre web site: www.wmc.org.uk |
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Friday, April 1, 2011 |
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