Keisha Thompson becomes first black woman to run Contact in Manchester

Manchester’s Contact theatre has appointed Keisha Thompson as its new artistic director and chief executive.

Thompson, who is a poet, will become the first black woman, first Mancunian and youngest person to run the youth-focused multi-arts venue, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Thompson has a long association with Contact, having first performed there when she was 15 and was part of its engagement as a young poet and writer. She joined the organisation’s core staff as young people’s producer in 2015.

She said: "I met so many different people at Contact, had my perspective changed and just really got that sense of what youth leadership can be. I want to make sure that this ethos, culture and environment is protected because it was so beneficial for me and so many people I know. It is how I became such a natural advocate for what Contact is about."

In 2021, she won the theatremaker category at the Arts Foundation Futures Awards, receiving £10,000.

Thompson will take over as artistic director and chief executive in June, replacing Matt Fenton, who has held the role since 2013.

Her appointment was welcomed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who said: "This is a brilliant appointment. Contact is one of the most exciting theatres in the country, and we are proud to support them through the Greater Manchester culture fund in recognition of the opportunities they provide for young people from across our city-region. 

"Keisha is a great example of the impact of this support, having developed her career with Contact over the past decade to get to a point where she is ready to lead the organisation."