New Executive & Artistic Director for Omnibus

George Owen, on behalf of the trustees, is delighted to announce the appointment of Gene David Kirk as the Executive Director and Artistic Director of Omnibus – Clapham where  it was wholeheartedly agreed by the board of trustees that he would be the ideal and desired executive to open this wonderful new arts space in Clapham - bringing his unique artistic vision to a space open to a challenging and vibrant future in the heart of Lambeth.

Gene David Kirk served as artistic director at Theatre503 and Jermyn Street Theatre covering a period over the past ten years and worked with projects such as Urban Scrawl. As a recognized, much-awarded and critically acclaimed director, producer, building manager and developer of new writing, musicals, artists and fledgling companies.

Omnibus is a charity set up by local people who care about Clapham and its cultural life. Its mission is to develop an inspirational centre for the arts in Lambeth and a creative hub for the local community to enjoy. After campaigning for six years, Omnibus was awarded a lease for the old library on Clapham Common North Side by Lambeth council, thereby saving a much-loved building for the whole community. The vision is to create an iconic new destination for the arts in Lambeth with a mission to –

• Create an inspirational artistic hub with a vibrant programme of all forms of theatre, music, art and design.
• Provide an inspiring and stimulating place for local people to meet each other, participate in cultural activities and be given a platform to present their own work.
• Develop this iconic building as a space that embraces the best in professional, community and educational work.

"As Chair of Omnibus I am thrilled that we have someone of Gene David Kirk’s stature on board as Artistic Director to take this wonderful project forward into the future and provide Clapham with an arts venue that will meet the aspirations of the local community and of Lambeth Council. With the support of Gene’s team of associates and the continued guidance of my fellow trustees, I am confident we now have in place a very solid organisation that will enable this project to take off." George Owen, Chair of Trustees, Omnibus - Clapham.