# The Lowry appoints first job-share directors of development

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/09/15/lowry-appoints-first-job-share-directors-development/
- Published: 2016-09-15T10:38:14+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**[The Lowry](http://www.thelowry.com/) has appointed Rhiannon Mckay-Smith and Gwen
Oakden as its new directors of development.**

The pair, who have 26 years of fundraising experience between them, will fulfil 
the role on a job-share basis and will be responsible for the Salford-based arts
venue’s annual, non-commercial income.

They replace Stephen Crocker, who is leaving in November to take up the position
of chief executive of Norwich Theatre Royal.

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Mckay-Smith began her fundraising career at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew before
moving to the Young Vic theatre in London’s Waterloo. She joined The Lowry as head
of development in 2011 and has worked on the organisation’s £5m capital campaign,
securing funding for the Artist Development Programme and over £100,000 for its 
annual Christmas Appeal.

Oakden [started her career](https://www.curriculosolutions.com/library/primary-programme-hub/primary-programme)
working first for Arts & Business and then Morris Hargreaves McIntyre. A past board
member of FutureEverything, she has worked for Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth
before arriving at The Lowry in 2015 to cover Mckay-Smith’s maternity leave. Since
then, she has worked on the opening of the £3m bar and restaurant, Pier Eight and
the delivery of the cross-arts festival, Week 53.

Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry, said:

> “Rhiannon and Gwen are a formidable team whose skills and experience complement
> each other perfectly. They take the reins at a crucial period in our history when
> public sector funding is ever-decreasing and our artistic programme is more and
> more ambitious.”

Photo: L-R Rhiannon Mckay-Smith and Gwen Oakden

 * **[GFEST appeals to arts lovers in fundraising bid](https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/10/21/gfest-appeals-arts-lovers-fundraising-bid/)**(
   21 October 2016)
 * **[Legacy income low but rising for arts organisations, says report](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/01/17/legacy-income-low-rising-arts-organisations-says-report/)**(
   17 January 2017)
 * **[£4 million awarded for museum and gallery displays through DCMS and Wolfson Foundation](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/01/19/4m-awarded-museum-gallery-displays-dcms-wolfson-foundation/)**(
   19 January 2017)

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