Meet Sheena Wrigley, Venue Director

To celebrate International Women’s Day and Careers Week, we got in touch with members of our team for some career advice. Last on the lineup is Sheena, Venue Director of our soon-to-come The Factory!

Sheena Wrigley, Venue Director

Don’t be afraid to try lots of different things. You don’t need to be linear – just layer up experience.?Offer yourself up for new opportunities and step forward into responsibility even if it scares you a bit. Celebrate other people’s talent and abilities.?

As Venue Director, Sheena is responsible for supporting MIF in transitioning into our new year round operation and gearing up to open and operate The Factory.?She leads all the operational teams that deliver work into the venue and ensure it is safe, welcoming, accessible and professionally run.

What made you want to apply for your role and what was your career journey before that?

I set out to work for organisations that will impact on people’s lives both individually and societally. I also wanted to make a contribution to Manchester and to the North, ensuring the next generations here have great opportunities to make a career in the arts, unlike my own.?It’s certainly a challenge, but I do love a good challenge!

I’ve spent many years at the helm of various arts venues, mostly performing arts and theatres.?The mix of working for theatres, large scale commercial venues, festivals and events (including HOME) helped me secure this job. Over the last 15 years in most of my roles I have been the first one in my position and I’ve always liked the pioneering nature of making and doing the job at the same time. I also really enjoy working with teams – imagining, challenging ourselves and making stuff happen with other motivated people.?

Favourite part of your job??

Working with great people who are really good at what they do. This raises all of us up to do our best work.?

Biggest challenge in your role??

Finding time to step back and think strategically and with real clarity. Controlling my diary!

What excites you most about The Factory??

I’m excited by the physical building. I’m drawn to modern architecture and I love the potential of cultural buildings, what they can do and how they can resonate with so many different people. I’m really looking forward to seeing people taking possession of these wonderful spaces and making them their own.

What advice would you give to other women working in/wanting a career in the creative industries?

Don’t be afraid to try lots of different things, because overtime you’ll work out where your strengths are then work to those. You don’t need to be linear – just layer up experience.?Offer yourself up for new opportunities and step forward into responsibility even if you it scares you a bit. Be prepared to work hard. Have people around you with strengths and skills that compliment or exceed yours. Celebrate other people’s talent and abilities.?