Swarthmore Education Centre has announced that actor and arts advocate Gaynor Faye has agreed to become our new President, following former President Hilary Benn MP, who stepped down earlier this year.
Gaynor is well known for her TV work, including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Fat Friends and The Syndicate, but she’s also a passionate supporter of lifelong learning and the arts. She has a personal connection to Swarthmore too, having taken part in courses with us during the Covid period, which makes this appointment feel like a really natural fit.
While Swarthmore isn’t based in South Leeds, the area has played a big part in our work over the last two years through our Creative Communities project. We were proud to deliver workshops, artist residencies and exhibitions across Beeston, Belle Isle, Middleton, Holbeck and Hunslet — celebrating local creativity, connection and pride in place.
As President, Gaynor will help champion the kind of inclusive, community-led learning and creativity that projects like Creative Communities are all about.
Chris Baillie, Director of Swarthmore Education Centre, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Gaynor as our new President. She really believes in the power of creativity and learning to bring people together, which so closely reflects our work — especially the projects we’ve been proud to deliver with communities across South Leeds.”
Swarthmore Education Centre offers creative courses, maths and English, digital skills, ESOL and supported learning for adults with additional needs, alongside community projects delivered across Leeds.
For more information visit: www.swarthmore.org.uk
This post is based on a press release issued by Swarthmore Education Centre
Photo: Shutterstock
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