Jane Zanzottera

I joined the Space2 board in 2014.  I am part of the Finance Committee; I chaired the Children and Young People’s sub group and am now a Co-chair alongside, Richard.   Originally from Inverness, I came to Leeds in 1998 and have lived in West Leeds since 2002, where I have brought up my family and first encountered Space2.

Before joining, I knew a little bit about the organisation as I had met Dawn and Emma when we were all part of the I Love West Leeds Festival board.  My career has always involved working with children and young people and I was a primary school teacher before working in the arts and cultural sector.  Through this, I became more familiar with the work of Space2.  Our paths crossed when I worked as a Find Your Talent Locality Coordinator and I always enjoyed watching their progress from the sidelines – the choir performance when the Olympic torch came to Leeds will always stay in my mind!

Although I knew Space2 before I became a board member, I didn’t fully appreciate the scale, complexity and sheer volume of the work that takes place.   The projects and activities are interesting, they challenge the status quo, they are accessible, but multifaceted.  Who else would think of creating musicals all about estates in Leeds?!  Since I have been part of the Board, the organisation has moved to the Old Fire Station, experienced a global pandemic and seen the founding CEOs move onto new adventures.  Things never stop changing, but the commitment and passion of the brilliant Space2 family of staff, participants, artists and volunteers stays the same.  It’s a really special organisation and I really enjoy being a small part of it.