News
Adel Al-Salloum leaves The Spark after nearly a decade
After nine festivals and nearly a decade Adel Al-Salloum will be leaving The Spark to take on a new challenge.
After nine festivals and nearly a decade Adel Al-Salloum will be leaving The Spark on 29 October to take up a new post at UNBOXED2022.
Adel was appointed as Director of The Spark Arts for Children in January 2012. Over the past nine and half years, Adel has led and developed the organisation from delivering an annual children’s arts festival to a fully-fledged, strategically positioned children’s arts organisation with a year-round multi-art form programme.
“I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with a committed and talented Board, the Staff team and a plethora of stakeholders notably children, families and artists. Everyone has allowed me to take risks, be bold and lead the company in new directions. I am very proud of the things we have achieved together. I believe wholeheartedly that the future of The Spark is in a strong place and that my departure will not take The Spark off course. It will instead create space to allow new ideas and diverse artistic leadership to shape the next important journey ahead.”
Adel Al-SalloumArtistic Director, 2012-2021
Associate Directors Daryl Beeton and Trina Haldar will continue to lead plans for The Spark Festival 2022 which will showcase four new pieces of work funded through Vital Spark alongside launching new commissioning and artistic development opportunities.
Karen Birch, who serves as a Trustee, will temporarily step down from the Board to take up an interim Executive Director role leading The Spark team and ensuring our values continue to shape the future direction.
“We would like to say thank you to Adel. Her leadership, enthusiasm and expertise has been a catalyst for success. Adel has brought creativity into many people's lives across Leicester and Leicestershire. She has enabled opportunities for new and diverse talent and worked with energy and commitment to build a powerful vision and legacy with The Spark team and community. Our immediate priority is to continue to work with partners and deliver an extraordinary festival for children and families to enjoy in February 2022. We all wish Adel every success in her new creative adventures.”
Mike CandlerChair of the Board
