Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 28th, 2026
•Manchester has welcomed a new leader in the arts and culture scene, with Jennifer Cleary being appointed as the Director of Culture and Creative Industries. This exciting news, announced on 28 July 2026, comes as the city continues to grow and develop its vibrant cultural landscape.
New Role for Jennifer Cleary
Jennifer Cleary brings over 20 years of experience in cultural strategy and major events to her new position.
Most recently, she served as the Director for Combined Arts and North at Arts Council England (ACE), where she spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity in the arts. Some of her notable projects include:
The Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival, organised in partnership with UK Sport.
The Theatre Breakthrough Fund, which supports innovative ideas from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse theatre makers in the North.
In her previous role at the Manchester International Festival, Cleary led award-winning programmes that engaged the community through participatory arts. She was also instrumental in developing the Greater Manchester Cultural Skills Consortium and the Factory Academy, which helps pave the way for aspiring creatives to enter the cultural industries.
Key Responsibilities
As the Director of Culture and Creative Industries, Cleary will play a crucial role in guiding Manchester’s cultural and creative sectors. This includes:
Providing strategic leadership to ensure arts and culture remain central to the city’s economic growth and community wellbeing.
Leading the delivery of Manchester’s ten-year cultural strategy, titled Always Everywhere: Manchester’s Cultural Ambition 2024–2034.
Securing investment for major cultural programmes and events.
Ensuring that both established institutions and local grassroots projects thrive.
Her work will involve collaborating with cultural organisations, communities, and businesses to create a more inclusive and prosperous cultural environment in Manchester.
Cleary's Vision for Manchester
Cleary expressed her enthusiasm for her new role:
“The arts are in the very bones of Manchester. As a city, our reputation is on a global scale, and what Manchester has always done right is placing culture and the creative industries at the heart of its growth strategy.”
She emphasised the importance of supporting the arts at all levels, from local initiatives to international projects. She also highlighted the positive impact of culture on people's lives, mentioning how it contributes to happiness, health, and wellbeing.
Support from the City Council
Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, underscored the significance of culture within the city:
“Manchester has firmly established itself as a cultural hub in the UK—from grassroots events and performances that happen every day to the bigger events we've hosted and have been able to create a legacy from.”
Bridges added that culture plays a vital role in not only boosting the economy but also in making Manchester an attractive place for families and visitors alike. With Cleary's impressive track record, the council is optimistic about advancing their cultural ambitions.
Looking Ahead
Cleary will officially take on her new role in October, and there is much anticipation around her plans for the city. The appointment comes at a time when Manchester is eager to enhance its cultural offerings and ensure that the arts remain accessible to all.