Salford’s Lowry Theatre has appointed former Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal OBE as Chair.
The Lowry will welcome Nazir Azfal OBE, a figure who grew his name in the North West of England this December.
He defined throughout his career as someone who protected vulnerable people, becoming an advocated for the community, safety and humanity.
Being best known for tackling cases involving violence against women and the sexual exploitation of children.
And whilst he has taken on this new role as The Lowry theatre, he continues to maintain his commitment to the subject as Trustee of the WOW (Women of the World) Foundation and Patron of nine women led NGOs supporting victims of crime.
HIs commitment to the core communities has assured people that he will take the theatre to the next step.
As the OBEbranches into the new venture becoming the chair of Salford’s flagship arts venue, The Lowry threatre.
Having experience as the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England and Chief Executive of the country’s Police & Crime Commissioner, he intends to use his experience in the new position to send The Lowry into the next phase.
With the theatre having a commitment to the growth to arts and culture as a means to strengthen, unite and uplift communities.
Following the appointment Nazir Afzal said: “What drew me to The Lowry is the innate sense of belonging it instils in the people that walk through its doors.
“My driving ambition as Chair is to find ways for even more people to experience that feeling of community,” he continued.
And with The Lowry theatre approaching its 25th year of operation, he added: “The Lowry is a much loved institution and it’s a great privilege to be a part of its next phase of growth.”
With Nazir’s experience being able to provide valuable insight offering the opportunity to welcome more people from all backgrounds.
This appointment should be welcomed as an exciting opportunity for The Lowry theatre, when he starts the role in December.
With Nazir taking to X (Twitter) to share the announcement: “Who’d have thought that I, of all people, would be the new Chair of the Lowry Theatre @The_Lowry – the “National Theatre of the North”
Who’d have thought that I, of all people, would be the new Chair of the Lowry Theatre @The_Lowry – the “National Theatre of the North”
What a place, what an impact & what a joy
Absolutely delighted pic.twitter.com/HVSnVne5Nf— nazir afzal (@nazirafzal) September 12, 2024
With Chief Executive of The Lowry, Julia Fawcett spoke on the exciting new appointed she said: “We are thrilled that Nazir is taking on the role of Chair as we head into our 25th year.
“His life long advocacy for vulnerable and neglected communities aligns with our own mission to empower underserved and excluded people from all backgrounds.”
Nazir will take over the role from Sir Rod Aldridge OBE, who has dedicated over 17 years of service to The Lowry.
After 17 years, Former Chair of The Lowry, Sir Rod Aldridge OBE said: “The Lowry has brought me so much joy over the years.”
Sir Rod’s time was faced with various difficulties to the arts sector with unexpected cuts and the global pandemic that shut theatres around the country.
However, despite the struggles the theatre faced The Lowry is the most visited attraction in Greater Manchester, generating almost £90m in visitor spending in the North West.
He reflected on the struggles that they had overcome, he said: “The economic, social and personal impact that The Lowry has generated go from strength to strength.
“I look forward to watching the institution continue to grow and wish Nazir all the best as the next Chair of this inspirational place.”
Feautred image was provided by Seven Hills
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