Unviersity of Salford Award Honorary Degree for City’s Culture Boss

Dave Moutrey will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Arts at The Lowry on July 19 in recognition of his decades of work supporting young people’s entry into the arts and socially engaged arts practice.

Dave has led the First Street arts complex since it opened in 2015, and earlier this year was appointed by Manchester City Council as director of culture – a role which involves attracting new audiences and providing a voice for the role of culture in the development of Greater Manchester.

'Sticky city' for creatives

Speaking about his new role, Dave said he hoped to develop talent, make Manchester a ‘sticky city’ for creatives and share resources between cultural organisations.

Previously, he has served as Chief Executive and Director of Cornerhouse – one of the two arts organisations that merged to form HOME – as well as Chief Executive of Arts About Manchester, and manager of the Abraham Moss Theatre in Crumpsall.

He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a BAFTA member, Board Member of the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and a member of the Chartered Management Institute, as well as being a qualified drama teacher and a strong advocate for the importance of the arts in education and wider society.

Dave has previously championed the work of University of Salford students, providing them with opportunities to work with a range of arts professionals. He has also attended awards ceremonies showcasing work by School of Arts and Media students and stated he was incredibly impressed by the quality of the work produced. 

Recognition of a great team

Dave said: “Thank you to the University of Salford for their support of HOME and bestowing such a great honour on me, which in truth is a recognition as much for the great team that I work with and the huge support I get from my family as it is for me. Great teams are everything.”

His passion and enthusiasm for the way in which the arts can transform young people's lives is an inspiration, while his development of young audiences has been a key theme throughout his career.

Professor Allan Walker, Dean of the University of Salford’s School of Arts and Media, said: “Dave has dedicated his career to engaging young people in the arts, and has worked tirelessly towards this end for decades.

“His passion and enthusiasm for the way in which the arts can transform young people's lives is an inspiration, while his development of young audiences has been a key theme throughout his career.

“Dave has never been formally recognised for his immense contribution to the Greater Manchester arts community and it is a huge privilege for us to be able to honour him as a true champion of arts for all.”