A new director has been appointed to lead the Appetite arts programme in Stoke-on-Trent.

The New Vic Theatre has announced that Emily Labhart will take on the role of director of Appetite, the Arts Council England Creative People and Places programme for Stoke-on-Trent, on Monday 20 April.

Emily is a cultural producer and programme leader with more than 12 years' experience creating inclusive, community-rooted arts programmes across festivals, theatres and public spaces.

Her past projects include commissioning new work for Birmingham International Dance Festival, contributing to large-scale city-wide events such as Birmingham Weekender, and supporting artist development and touring through Breakin' Convention at Sadler's Wells.

Emily said: "I'm delighted to be joining Appetite at such an exciting moment for the programme and for Stoke-on-Trent. As someone based in the Midlands, it's a real privilege to be taking on this role.

"Appetite's commitment to community-led decision-making, alongside ambitious, high-quality artistic work, is something I deeply believe in.

"The programme's work in Stoke-on-Trent demonstrates the power of culture to bring people together and to reflect the identity and creativity of a place. I'm really looking forward to working with communities, artists and partners across the city to build on that foundation and continue developing a programme that is welcoming, representative and rooted in the life of the city."

Appetite recently presented its Light Up Winter series of events which brought light and sound installations to Middleport, Hanley and Newcastle across five evenings in January, February and March.

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Its annual summer festival, The Big Feast, will return to Hanley on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August.

Appetite is part of Arts Council England's Creative People and Places programme, designed to engage more people in arts and culture in areas where involvement has historically been lower.

Appetite is led by the New Vic Theatre and works closely with local communities, artists and partners to deliver projects that inspire creativity and connection.

New Vic Theatre artistic director Theresa Heskins said: "Emily brings a calm, collaborative approach, along with a strong track record of working across complex partnerships and public-facing programmes, and we are delighted to welcome her to Appetite."