Manchester City Council has appointed Jennifer Cleary as its new Director of Culture and Creative Industries, a role that places her at the helm of one of the UK’s most prominent urban cultural strategies. Cleary, who currently serves as Director of Combined Arts and North at Arts Council England (ACE), will take up the position in October 2026.

The appointment comes as Manchester continues to position itself as a leading cultural destination, both nationally and internationally. The Director of Culture and Creative Industries carries responsibility for strategic leadership across arts, culture, music, film, media, design and the broader creative economy, ensuring these sectors remain central to the city’s economic growth, regeneration and community wellbeing.

A Career Rooted in Cultural Leadership

Cleary brings more than 20 years of senior experience in cultural strategy, investment and major events to the role. At Arts Council England, she has spearheaded new partnerships and programmes aimed at driving ambition and equality across the sector, including the Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival, developed in partnership with UK Sport, and the Theatre Breakthrough Fund — an initiative targeting bold new work by Black, Asian and ethnically diverse theatre makers in the North of England.

Prior to joining ACE, Cleary served as Director of Creative Engagement at <a href=