Sharon Watson joins GCF as a patron

As announced at our 10th birthday celebrations, Sharon Watson MBE DL is joining the Geraldine Connor Foundation (GCF) as a patron, alongside David Lascelles and Arthur France.

We are delighted to have Sharon join GCF at this exciting time for the organisation and the city of Leeds, as we reunite post-pandemic and celebrate the city with Leeds 2023.

Sharon Watson MBE, DL is currently CEO and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Prior to this, Sharon Watson was the 7th and longest-standing Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre, choreographing Fast Lane, Melt, Never 2 Still, Repetition of Change, TearFall and Windrush: Movement of the People.

During her tenure at Phoenix Dance Theatre, Sharon received a number of awards and accolades, including The Sue Ryder ‘Yorkshire Women of Achievement in Business Award’ and ‘Yorkshire Woman of the Year’. In July of 2019 Sharon received an Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Beckett University for her contribution to the arts. Sharon’s recognitions are testament to her continued passion and drive to contribute to the local and national creative industries through dance.

In November 2020, Sharon was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and in January 2021 she was awarded an MBE for Services to Dance.

Sharon is a trustee of Leeds Playhouse and Leeds 2023. She is committed to improving diversity within the arts by supporting the creative voices of women and Black, Asian and ethnic minority artists.

Welcome Sharon from all of us at the Geraldine Connor Foundation!

Header image by Benji Reid.

Left image by Ashley Karrell.

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