About LIFT

Director

Mark Ball

Mark Ball established Fierce Earth Ltd in 1997, which specialises in the production and presentation of cultural events, festivals and programmes. For the past 11 years he has directed Fierce!, an annual international festival of theatre, live art and contemporary dance taking place across the West Midlands which is now widely recognised as one of the UK's most vibrant contemporary arts festivals. In November 2005, Mark was named the Institute of Director's (IoD) Young Director of the Year for his work with the company. Mark was made a Clore Fellow in 2006/2007, where he undertook research on the potential impact of Web 2.0 for arts organisations and a placement at The Getty Centre, Los Angeles. He also holds posts at a number of arts organisations including Governor of the Southbank Centre, Board Member of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Director of Creative Republic. In January 2008 he was appointed Head of Events and Exhibitions at the Royal Shakespeare Company, leading a new department responsible for developing the profile of the RSC amongst new audiences by producing and delivering a range of high profile artist-led projects and commissions. He was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Executive of LIFT in April 2009.

Mark Ball said of his appointment: "I am delighted by my appointment at LIFT. Great international cities deserve great international festivals, and I relish the opportunity and challenge of moving LIFT forward and bringing a diverse and glittering range of international theatre to the attention of Londoners. And in the context of 2012, when the world comes to London, the international work we have started to develop in East London is particularly exciting."