We are delighted to announce the appointment of an exciting young Arts Professional, Clara Marshall Cawley, as our new Associate Board Director. This position is treated as a director of the company but is not registered as a full director or trustee and has no voting rights. Being responsible for running an Opera Festival is a financial and reputational risk and the Board of BIF does not think it fair to burden a younger, inexperienced colleague with that responsibility. We do, however, want a younger person’s perspective and the person appointed is treated in every other resect as a full Board member, invited to play a full and vocal part in proceedings and privy to all information.
Mark Burns was our first Associate Board Director: “Having spent the past two years as an Associate Board Director at the Festival I’ve been able to build an understanding of how high level arts management works. From the financials to marketing and development, all aspects of how the company operates are there to be explored and colleagues have been available to offer their expertise and advice to help guide my progress. As I move forward with my career this position will stand me in good stead when I look towards management roles. To have demonstrable experience of board level work at this stage in my career is something that money can’t buy and I’m forever grateful to the Festival for their investment in my future.”
Clara Marshall Cawley is currently working as the Assistant Chorus Manager for Opera North. While still at The University of Manchester she founded and ran Musica Festival , a week-long festival celebrating female music making focusing on conducting, composing, performance and academic leadership. The Festival has continued to thrive since she graduated, an impressive legacy. In her spare time, she sings in the Halle Choir and the Manchester Chamber Choir, and enjoys running, walking and cycling in the Peak District. Previously she worked for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Learning Department. The Nomination Committee was unanimous and very enthusiastic in the choice of Clara.