Beckie Hart has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees at Hull Truck Theatre as her predecessor, Alan Dix, steps down after nine successful years in the post.
As Hull Truck Theatre wraps up its 50th anniversary celebrations, this timely appointment of new Chair, Beckie Hart, will see the board work towards the theatre’s aspirations for the next 50 years. From showcasing and developing young writers and performers, reaching communities who do not typically engage with the arts, to exploring capital development opportunities, ambitions for the future are diverse and far reaching.
Having arrived in Hull to study Business in 1990, Beckie continued her career in the city, holding several managerial roles in small and medium sized manufacturing companies and joined the CBI in 2014 as Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Humber. She is responsible for managing and developing relationships with a wide range of organisations and stakeholders, delivering policy and best practice events and overseeing the principal representative body, the Regional Council and is well connected to the business community. Outside of the workplace, Beckie has many passions and interests including playing hockey for Hull Circle Ladies, being a cook and server at the Silent Community Kitchen and writing for a weekly column in the Yorkshire Post.
Beckie Hart, incoming Chair of the Board at Hull Truck Theatre said:
“I’m delighted to be taking up the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees, helping the team continue to deliver a rich variety of inclusive, entertaining and thought-provoking theatre, as well as the creative learning projects Hull Truck Theatre has become known for. I’m excited about what’s next for Hull Truck Theatre, having secured NPO status and Arts Council England funding for another three years, and I look forward to working with Janthi, Mark and the whole team to take it from strength to strength”.
Alan Dix’s tenure as Chair has seen him successfully lead the Board of Trustees through a crucial period, transforming the theatre from a period of uncertainty to a position of stability and growth. He has provided strategic guidance and ensured the smooth running of the organisations since 2014, offering clarity, challenge and direction – from delivering a year of exceptional drama during Hull’s tenure as UK City of Culture in 2017 to dealing with the after-effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Alan’s contribution has enabled the organisation to thrive over the past decade. With a special interest in audience development and community engagement, he has helped secure the theatre’s solid reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive producing theatre and the beating heart of both the community and cultural landscape in East Yorkshire.
Alan Dix, outgoing Chair of The Board at Hull Truck Theatre said:
“On behalf of the Board and staff, I am delighted to welcome Beckie Hart to Hull Truck Theatre. As the new Chair she will soon discover what an extraordinary pleasure and privilege it is to work with such a talented, experienced and dedicated team lead by Mark and Janthi. To be Chair of a regional theatre is a great honour, and I’m sure Beckie – with her love of the city and its people, her passion for the arts and a consummate belief in creative opportunity – will bring all her energy and enthusiasm to ensure a bright future for Hull Truck Theatre.”
Janthi Mills-Ward and Mark Babych Joint CEOs at Hull Truck Theatre said:
“Alan’s invaluable support, knowledge of the sector and the importance of a regional theatre to its community has been intrinsic to Hull Truck Theatre’s growth and success over the last 9 years. Through both good and challenging times, Alan’s strong and dependable leadership has enabled us to feel supported and empowered to do the very best work we can do, so that the theatre can continue to thrive and play an important role in people’s lives for many more years to come.”
“We are delighted to welcome Beckie Hart as the new Chair of the Board and excitingly look forward to the theatres next chapter. Beckie brings with her a wealth of partnership, change management and advocacy experience alongside a real love of Hull. Her insight will be key in shaping our next chapter of growth and development, continuing to build on our core values of diversity and community.”
Beckie Hart will begin her tenure as Chair of the Board at Hull Truck Theatre from April 2023, leading a team of fourteen active board members with specialisms in finance, communications, community outreach, performing arts and much more. Hull Truck Theatre is a registered charity.