David Watson

I am a senior leader with over 15 years’ experience across some of the UK’s leading arts, cultural, and heritage organisations, including National Museums Liverpool, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Hull UK City of Culture 2017, English National Ballet and Royal Opera House to name but a few.

I am Chair of the Board for Storyhouse in Chester and Back to Ours in Hull and have previously held trustee roles with One Dance UK, Dance Umbrella, and others.

Originally trained as a professional dancer at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds, I have performed, choreographed, and taught internationally.

I am is the Creative Director of MlkMen (a bold sock brand) and Lumanique (a luxury fragrance company), and Founder of The Great British Gala — a major new initiative celebrating dance in the UK. I also host the podcast Before the Applause, exploring the behind-the-scenes of creative excellence.