Announcing Mary Osborn as New Director of LADA

Mary joins LADA from Battersea Arts Centre, where she is Senior Creative Development Producer. Prior to this role, Mary spent nearly a decade at Artsadmin, first as Artist Advisor, then as Projects and Programme Producer. Mary is well known in the sector for her advocacy and passion for Live Art practices as a producer, curator and fundraiser. Mary’s arrival at LADA in October will see her working closely with the LADA staff and Board to take forward her vision for the organisation. We are incredibly excited by Mary’s collaborative approach and her commitment to inclusivity, artistic experimentation and risk.

Mary says on the appointment: ‘I am both overjoyed and deeply humbled to step into the role of Director of the Live Art Development Agency. LADA’s commitment to radical practice has been a vital touchstone to me and so many others across the arts community, and this is an incredible opportunity to build on its unique legacy. We are witnessing some of the hardest times for artists and arts organisations to experiment and take risks. I am excited to take a bold, collaborative approach to finding new pathways through this challenging landscape, to work closely with amazing artists and partners to shape the vision for this next chapter, and reimagine a vibrant and welcoming future for Live Art together.’

Beci Jamieson, Senior Relationship Manager, Combined Arts, Arts Council England wrote to welcome Mary to her new role: ‘The Arts Council would like to congratulate Mary on her appointment. Her extensive national and international networks, combined with her bold artist focused vision will no doubt guide LADA in an exciting future direction.’

The LADA Board of Trustees would like to thank the patrons and LADA staff past and present for all they have done to support the organisation in recent years. The interest shown in this role, and the many brilliant applications we received showed how much love and care there is for LADA.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to former Director Ria Righteous and current Director Ruth Holdsworth for their incredible work in maintaining LADA’s stability and activity during a particularly challenging period.

More announcements will follow in the coming weeks, but we look forward to welcoming Mary to LADA.

Robin Deacon
Chair of the LADA Board of Trustees