New Director Announced for Geraldine Connor Foundation

A former director at Northern Ballet and Northern School of Contemporary Dance has been appointed as the new Director of the Geraldine Connor Foundation.

Selina McGonagle, who brings 15 years experience of producing and creating arts projects in the north, has been tasked with taking the 4 year old Yorkshire-based arts organization into its next phase following the departure of Amy Bere who left to take up the post of General Manager (Arts) at Dartington in Devon last year.

The Geraldine Connor Foundation, founded in 2012 to continue the legacy of the renowned theatre director, educationalist and ethno-musicologist, the late Dr Geraldine Connor, creator of the spectacular Carnival Messiah, works to present a variety of creative projects that inspire and engage others through an experience of the arts in all its many different forms.

Commenting on her appointment Selina said, " I thrive on developing creative opportunities that inspire and enthuse, artists, participants and audiences. One of my proudest achievements at Northern Ballet is the creation of a series of Short Ballets for children which gave emerging choreographers their first opportunity to create new work and also engage new audiences with dance. The productions have gone onto be broadcast through the BBC pre-school channel Cbeebies and win a few awards along the way including a BAFTA. My new role at the Geraldine Connor Foundation enables me to create new fruitful partnerships and celebrate the diverse range of talent and skill we have in Yorkshire."

Selina joins the Geraldine Connor Foundation following the organization's two major performances in 2015. Tell Me What Yo' Singin' For celebrated the life and music of Edric Connor, Geraldine Connor's father and pioneering Caribbean singer, folklorist and actor. The second, Sweet Chariot, was a performance in partnership with Harrogate Festivals and celebrated the centenary of the death of Thomas Rutling, who was born into slavery in Tennessee and spent the last years of his life in Harrogate, with former Geraldine Connor student and ENO tenor Ronald Samm in the lead role.

Future plans for the Geraldine Connor Foundation include developing significant regional and national partnerships in presenting a wide range of performances, workshops and educational opportunities.

The Geraldine Connor Foundation was established in 2012 to continue the legacy and vision of theatre director, ethno-musicologist and educator Dr. Geraldine Connor. The organisation became a registered charity in 2014 and works to advance the development and education of individuals in the arts and culture, thereby developing professional and life skills, encouraging and nurturing new work and talent, and encouraging and promoting equality, diversity, empowerment and inclusion in society through the Arts. The Foundation works in partnerships with a wide range of arts and education organizations to further its reach.

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