Fierce artistic director Aaron Wright to join Southbank Centre

“After seven incredible years at Fierce, I’m excited to be joining the Southbank Centre team," Wright said.

"I’m thrilled to contribute to London’s rich cultural life with an approach filled with fun and rigour. Most of all, I’m looking forward to putting performance and dance at the heart of the programme, introducing diverse audiences to some of the most innovative artists working nationally and internationally."

The role of head of performance and dance has historically existed at the Southbank Centre, and has been held by Rupert Thomson and Wendy Martin. The performance and dance programme has more recently been overseen by other members of the leadership team, but Wright’s appointment marks a return to the role.

Ball added: "Aaron has a wide knowledge of contemporary trends in dance and performance and will play a pivotal role in leading an innovative, wide-ranging and culturally diverse performing arts programme."

He described Wright’s programming at Fierce as "bold and exciting, reaching new audiences and merging the boundaries of high art and pop culture".