Local Creative Industry Leaders honoured by the University of York

Richard Mantle, OBE, General Director of Opera North and Sally Joynson, former CEO of Screen Yorkshire were the recipients of honorary degrees at this summer’s graduation ceremonies. Both have played central roles in the region’s creative industries, establishing Yorkshire as a vibrant centre for Opera, Film, Television and Games.

Richard worked with several national and international opera companies before joining Opera North in 1994. The company has grown significantly in that period, and now supports an intensive and eclectic programme of innovatively staged opera and arts events at its newly expanded Leeds base, regional opera tours and a sector-leading education programme that provides ongoing musical opportunities and training for communities in Yorkshire. Under Sally’s leadership, Screen Yorkshire have attracted and supported such high-profile films and TV dramas as Peaky Blinders, This is England, All Creatures Great and Small, Wuthering Heights, Dad’s Army, Brideshead Revisited, God’s Own Country, The Duke, Official Secrets, National Treasure, Ali and Ava, The Witcher, Gentleman Jack and Ackley Bridge.