Originally published 8 February 2001

The University of Warwick has appointed ALAN RIVETT as the new Director of Warwick Arts Centre with immediate effect. ALAN RIVETT has been Deputy Director at the arts centre since 1990, before which he was Drama Officer at West Midlands Arts, and has been active in the Midlands cultural arena for over 20 years.

Announcing the new appointment, Professor Sir Brian Follett, the University's Vice-Chancellor, commented:

"In the week that the Arts Centre is playing host to Peter Brook's highly acclaimed, sell-out production Le Costume - the only venue outside London to present the show - the University is doubly delighted to be able to announce this excellent appointment. Since becoming Acting Director last summer, Alan has overseen our most successful Christmas show ever and dealt with the complex operation around the visit by President Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. All of us at the University are now confident that Alan will inject a fresh confidence into all areas of the Arts Centre's programme and activities, reinforcing further still its role as a leading international centre and a unique regional resource."

ALAN RIVETT, Warwick Arts Centre's new Director, stated:

"I am delighted and very proud to be leading one of the West Midlands', and indeed the UK's, most successful arts organisations. I know Warwick Arts Centre well and I intend to play to its strengths in presenting a first rate programme of art and entertainment, in superb facilities for the enjoyment of all. The University of Warwick is alone in the UK in providing such a fantastic cultural focus for people living in its locality. I want to see even more people visiting Warwick Arts Centre in future for what I can assure them will be wonderful nights out!"

Situated at the heart of the University of Warwick campus near Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre is the largest complex of its kind in the UK outside London. Over 230,000 visitors are welcomed annually for more than 1,400 performances. These include theatre and classical music, film and comedy, pop music and visual arts exhibitions in the Mead Gallery, contemporary dance, literature events and a comprehensive education programme.

For further information, photos and interviews please contact:

Rob Macpherson,
Arts Centre Marketing Director
024 7652 4452 

Further information about the above press release and all other media services at the University of Warwick can be obtained from:

Peter Dunn, Press Officer
University of Warwick
Coventry, CV4 7AL
West Midlands
Tel: 024 76 523708
Email: puapjd@warwick.ac.uk