Highlights are delighted to announce the appointment of Cinzia Hardy as our new Chair of Trustees. Cinzia has been a trustee for Highlights since 2020 and brings with her a passion for the arts in rural communities.
Director Kate Lynch said: “The staff are delighted to welcome Cinzia to the role of Chair for the organisation, her knowledge and experience make her the perfect fit. We look forward to working with her in the months and years ahead.”
Cinzia said: “I’m thrilled to take on the position of Chair of the Trustees with Highlights Rural Touring. It’s an organisation I love and believe in and that brings much needed cultural activity to rural areas across northern England. Now, more than ever, we need the vibrancy and entertainment that artists and performers bring to our communities. Together with the staff and my fellow trustees, I look forward to shaping the vision, mission and values of Highlights and steering it forward.”
The staff and trustees offer their heartfelt thanks to outgoing Chair John Holland, whose expertise, wisdom, clarity and passion for the organisation has helped guide it through many challenging times.
Cinzia Hardy was born in Dublin. She is a graduate of the Guildford School of Acting & Dance, Surrey (1980-4); City University, London (Arts Administration, 1994-5); Trinity Laban, London (MSc Dance Science, Hons. 2003-6). She trained in movement studies with Monika Pagneux in Paris (1991). Following a period of working as an actor and movement director, Cinzia moved into arts management and creative producing, working with companies such as LIFT (London International Festival of Theatre) and Blast Theory (Multi-Media Theatre Company). She managed the ‘Year of the Artist 2000’ programme for Arts Council North East and in 2007, founded and established the multi award-winning Northumberland based performing arts company November Club.
She was November Club’s artistic director until December 2020, when she stepped down to pursue freelance directing.