The Manchester International Festival has appointed a new creative director to work alongside artistic director and chief executive John McGrath.
Low Kee Hong's appointment comes as MIF prepares for the opening of The Factory, the organisation's landmark new cultural space, due to open in the city next year.
As creative director, Low Kee Hong will help to develop The Factory's artistic programme and will take charge of the future shape and programme for the festival every two years.
When he joins the team in April, Kee Hong will also oversee the work of the creative engagement, curatorial and international departments as a key member of MIF’s executive leadership team.
Kee Hong is currently head of theatre for performing arts at the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority in Hong Kong (read about it here), where he is responsible for formulating the district’s artistic direction. Previous roles include artistic director and general manager of the Singapore Arts Festival and founding director and general manager of the Singapore Biennale.
John McGrath said: “I'm delighted that Low Kee Hong will be joining us at this significant moment in our history. He is admired by artists, producers and programmers around the world for his passionate, knowledgeable approach to curating festivals and venues and has worked with many of the world’s great creative figures.
“Kee Hong will join MIF the year before we open The Factory and will be working with me and the curatorial team to develop an exciting range of new projects. Equally importantly, he will be leading on the future programme for the festival: re-imagining MIF for the years ahead.”
Kee Hong said: "I am truly honoured and excited to be given this amazing opportunity. Manchester International Festival is an organisation I have always admired for its visionary and bold take on what tomorrow can look like."