Bernard has left an indelible, tremendous impact on LIFT. His leadership, advocacy and vision has been the heart and soul of our organisation. He’s been an ardent supporter LIFT, promoting and advancing our vision of an international festival that is deeply London, supporting LIFT’s leadership and team with empathy and devotion.
Bernard’s time with LIFT has seen performances by aerialists dangling from the London Eye, Haircuts by Children in a barbershop in Tottenham, pigeons soaring over Thamesmead, a dog ballet and a Tofu fight in the Barbican. We’ve had our West End debut alongside countless and unforgettable performances in car parks and cemeteries. Through it all, Bernard Donoghue has been there, steering LIFT through the highs and lows of the last 15 years. We can’t thank him enough for all that he has given us.
At the same time, we are delighted that he will be followed in the role by Rosie Millard OBE. Rosie has been a journalist and broadcaster in the arts for over 30 years, is currently chair of BBC Children in Need, Firstsite Arts Centre and Deputy Chair of Opera North, and led Hull 2017 City of Culture as Chair of the Board for four years prior to that.
It’s been a huge privilege and an honour to have been Chair of the Board of Trustees of LIFT and to have worked alongside 4 artistic directors, our amazing and generous trustees, and our creative and brilliant staff and volunteers. They have all taught me so much about what theatre can be and do, and I am so pleased to be passing on this responsibility to Rosie who completely understands the transformative power of theatre and festivals. You never really leave LIFT so whilst I am stepping down as Chair, I’m renewing my membership and looking forward to being an audience member at the next extraordinary festival.— Bernard Donoghue, Former Chair of the LIFT Board
It is the end of an era for LIFT – and the start of a new one. This year also marks 40 years of LIFT bringing inspiring and thought-provoking performances from around the world to London. To celebrate our birthday, we’re launching a crowdfunding campaign. Participants have the opportunity to get some fantastic LIFT rewards, including a limited number of chances to be on-stage for one of our headline 2022 shows. The campaign goes live on 23rd November: sign up for our newsletter to be the first with a chance to get your hands on exclusive LIFT experiences!
