The Lowry's Artistic Director Robert Robson Passes Away at 58

The Lowry announced today that its Artistic Director Robert Robson died suddenly last night, September 6, at the age of 58.

"Robert provided inspirational artistic leadership to The Lowry from the moment the venue first opened its doors in 2000; with the vision to 'bring the world to Salford and Salford to the world'," wrote Chief Executive Julia Fawcett in a statement. "Alongside this, he played a crucial role in the arts both nationally and internationally, including his role as Chair of Phoenix Dance and on the Board of Directors of the International Society for the Performing Arts."

"He was respected across the industry, and will be greatly missed by his colleagues here at The Lowry and the people he worked with and supported across the country," Fawcett continued. "We hope everyone would join us in sending our deepest condolences to Robert's family."

Robert Robson joined The Lowry in 1998 as theatre's director and in early 2003 was appointed artistic director.

Robson is from Scotland, where he studied at Glasgow University and University College, Cardiff. He worked extensively in community theatre and in 1983 became Artistic Director of Cumbernauld Theatre, a multi-purpose theatre presenting a wide variety of work and promoting community involvement. In 1990 he became Festival Director of Mayfest, Britain's second biggest arts festival, presenting work across all the art forms and programming and commissioning the best international and British work. In 1994, he became first the Theatre Director of His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen and then General Manager of Performing Arts Venues for Aberdeen City Council.

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