Our amazing Julia Samuels, Co-CEO, c0-Artistic Director, and co-founder of 20 Stories High, is stepping down after an incredibly successful 15 years leading the company alongside Keith Saha
Julia said:
I am so lucky to have spent 15 years of my life with 20 Stories High and our community of young artists. I have made work I am so proud of – work that has come out of the most exciting, inspiring collaborations and conversations I can imagine. Now it feels like the right time to make way for new voices and perspectives that represent our young, culturally diverse participants and audiences. I want to thank the young people, our incredible team, and Keith – who has been such an incredible creative and political inspiration across this time”
Julia’s departure is part of some other big changes for the company, which will also see Leanne Jones stepping into a new co-CEO role, and the creation of two new Associate positions. Recruitment for the Associate Director and Associate Producer roles will be launched shortly, with a view to both roles being appointed within the coming months.
Julia continues:
I am really excited to welcome Leanne in her role as the company’s new co-CEO. Leanne has been with 20 Stories High for 10 years, originally as a Participation Manager then as Executive Director. She has been an integral part of the development of the organisation. Her invaluable lived experience as a local working-class woman, her commitment to young people and nurturing of artists continues to have a profound effect on the company. I know the next chapter of the company will be an exciting one.”
Brodie Arthur, 20 Stories High collaborator and former Youth Theatre member:
Working with Julia over the years has been life changing for myself. Before 20 Stories High, nobody had ever believed in my abilities. She did and she pushed me to share my talent with the world. Over ten years working with herself and the company, from intense trips to Iran and Manchester, youth theatre shows, professional tours, co-creating work and learning, I’m honoured to have been mentored by such an amazing creative. Our journey’s not over though – Julia and I are already planning our next artistic collaboration outside of 20 Stories High. In the meantime, I wish her the best of luck in her future ventures. I already know she’ll do amazing.
And finally, Co-CEO/Artistic Director Keith Saha said:
When Julia and I set up the company 15 years ago, we did it from scratch. I can’t believe now looking back how much we have achieved in that time. Julia is also my partner outside of 20 Stories High, she has been a true inspiration, a creative leader, who I have learnt so much from. And although she will be hugely missed, I’m really pleased that she is off on new adventures. I’m also really looking forward to a working with Leanne in her new role, and discovering what the next chapter of the organisation will be, and together discovering who the new artists will be that will continue to work with young people within the city.
Photography
1: Rebecca Oliver
2: Wesley Storey
3: Rebecca Oliver
3: Wes Rashid
