We’re super excited to share that Saskia Metcalf and Zoe Pickering have been promoted to co-creative directors – joining CEO Liz O’Neill to lead Z-arts into its next chapter. And that’s not all, we’re also launching our brand new Strategic Plan for 2026–2031!
Z-arts has been home to some pretty incredible people over the years, and Saskia and Zoe are at the very top of that list. Together, they’ve spent more than 15 years shaping who we are, leading creative programmes, building brilliant partnerships across the UK and beyond, and always keeping children and families at the heart of everything we do.
Now, alongside CEO Liz O’Neill, they’re stepping up as co-creative directors and we genuinely couldn’t be more excited as a team!
It’s only fitting that Zoe and Saskia get recognition for the important contributions and fantastic creative vision that they bring to Z-arts. I’m really excited about continuing to shape the future, not only with these two amazing women but also with the wider management team, who are also being given more opportunities to feed into the strategic development of Z-arts – Liz O’Neill, CEO
I am really honoured to be stepping into this role in an organisation that I love. Working alongside Liz and Saskia has been a highlight of my time at Z-arts and we are so lucky to be supported by a really brilliant team. As we move into 2026 and look ahead to the next five years, I look forward to working closely with the team, artists, networks and our partners to continue to be the best we can be for our children and families. – Zoe Pickering, Co-creative Director
After 16 years at Z-arts, it’s been a privilege to help shape an organisation that’s putting creativity, storytelling and play at the heart of children’s lives. I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of co-creative director and to continue championing ambitious experiences for our audiences. – Saskia Metcalf, co-Creative Director
And there’s more – our Strategic Plan for 2026–2031 is here!
Alongside this announcement, we’re launching our Strategic Plan for the next five years – setting out our vision for child-centred creative participation, rich and diverse theatre for young audiences, and immersive play experiences that make Z-arts such a special place.
As the cultural epicentre of the Hulme community, we welcome 80,000 people a year. We’re proud to receive strategic funding from Manchester City Council, and as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, we lead the Big Imaginations regional network, programming and commissioning relevant, diverse theatre for the modern family. Our GMCA funding also helps us contribute to the GM Cultural Strategy, the Live Well initiative and employment opportunities across the city region.
Z-arts is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families, a centre of excellence for child-centred creative participation, rich and diverse theatre for young audiences, and immersive play experiences.