THE Witham is preparing to start a new chapter as it bids farewell to its boss who has been hailed for making a “significant” contribution to arts in the town.
Katy Taylor has been with the Barnard Castle art centre since before its revamp, supporting the venue through the £3m renovation project and then taking the helm as director in 2014.
She is leaving next month to become artistic director of Queen’s Hall Art Centre, in Hexham.
Although she will be sad to leave, Ms Taylor says the fresh challenge is “really exciting” .
She said: “Opportunities do not come up like this very often in the North East. This is the next stage for me – the Witham has showed me how to get there
” It’s been my nursery, primary school, secondary school and university. It’s been fantastic and I will really miss it and I will miss everyone. This place isn’t about one person – it’s a team effort.”
During her time at The Witham, the venue has suffered a few setbacks, such as missing out on a £200,000 funding bid to the Arts Council last year. But Ms Taylor is credited with helping increase The Witham’s reputation across the region for a wide range of genres.
“It has been a rollercoaster ride taking this small, vibrant venue from a building site to the popular arts centre it is today,” Ms Taylor added.
“Funding is a constant challenge – not just here but at any art centre. Our income has gone up, but so have our costs. That’s the nature of the beast.”
Ms Taylor, who lives in the dale, started working for The Witham in 2013, recruiting volunteers when it was temporarily based at Woodleigh during the renovation works.
She became assistant manager before being offered the top job. The arts centre is now seeking a new director.
Ms Taylor said: “I’m excited to see who comes to take The Witham to the next stage of its development. Everywhere needs fresh ideas and a fresh approach from time to time.
“But I won’t be far – I will just be a customer instead of director.”
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