After only a short stint in the key role at Southbank Centre – less than a year – Madani Younis has resigned as creative director “in order to pursue new creative opportunities”. Younis replaced Jude Kelly, yet did not take on the same title of artistic director as Kelly when she departed.
In a statement, Younis said: “I am pleased to have been able to set in motion a number of creative projects with the help of the talented team around me during my time with Southbank Centre. I have decided however that I want to pursue other creative interests in the coming months. My thanks go to the Southbank Centre’s board of governors and staff.”
During his short tenure, Younis oversaw an outdoor summer outdoor summer programme for LGBTQ+ artists, for which events were held across the Southbank Centre site. He leaves having put in place some key parts of 2020’s artistic programme, to be announced soon. He also programmed London is Love, with photography by Liz Johnson Artur, that captures the communities of South London.
Elaine Bedell, chief executive, Southbank Centre, said: “We have enjoyed working with Madani and he has made a significant and positive contribution to discussions about our future creative direction. We wish him well for the future.”
He will leave Southbank Centre in December 2019.