International arts festival artistic director William Galinsky has been appointed as artistic programmer for the Kirklees Year of Music 2023.

William specialises in creating arts festivals and projects deeply rooted in a sense of place, community, and shared stories. His experience of commissioning and producing ground-breaking new projects across art forms and cultural place-making, make him the ideal choice for the role.

As part of the Yorkshire region’s plans for a Year of Culture in 2023 Kirklees has designated it as a Year of Music due to its rich musical heritage. A year-long diverse programme of music is planned and everyone is welcome.

Kirklees already offers world-class music through festivals and concerts. Not only is the district home to the UK’s largest contemporary music festival, but many Kirklees towns and villages also hold annual festivals for such as folk and jazz and, of course, there’s the Huddersfield Carnival.

READ MORE: Meet the board for the Kirklees Year of Music

As artistic programmer, William will ensure that the programme for Year of Music 2023 has a coherent narrative and story that fits within all communities of Kirklees.

Clr Will Simpson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said: “The knowledge and expertise William can bring to this role makes him the ideal person to take on the role, enabling us to promote and celebrate the variety of music from across Kirklees.

“William’s addition to the Year of Music team will ensure a diverse programme of events giving our residents the opportunity and space to encounter new and traditional music from across the borough.”

READ MORE: Celebrating the district’s musical excellence

William added: “I am thrilled to be working on Kirklees Year of Music. I grew up in Leeds and West Yorkshire and the region is very close to my heart. I’ve always wanted to give something back to the region which gave me so many of my early opportunities.”