Grainne Flynn and Joshua Wilkinson will work alongside and be mentored by existing young board members Reece Williams and Afreena Islam.
Contact is recognised internationally as a game changer in the field of youth leadership and creativity. We believe that making young voices heard at the most central stages of development and innovation is the only way that Contact can continue to provide genuine, relevant and sincere creative opportunities and experiences for people of all ages.
Grainne and Joshua will be working closely with the staff team and young people to share their expertise and enthusiasm in order to further and develop Contact’s core ambitions as we transition into our ongoing capital transformation.
Grainne Flynn
Grainne is 20 years of age, was born in Liverpool and grew up in Warrington. She has just completed her first year at the University of Manchester where she is studying drama.
Currently, alongside her studies, Grainne is working on projects with Contact and Manchester International Festival; she has secured the role of Young Commissioner for MIF19 and is producing a co-commissioned show for next year’s festival.
“I’m truly passionate about Contact and its future; it’s a place full of people who genuinely care about the future of young people. As the new building is redeveloped and then opens, there will be challenges and exciting changes but I can’t wait to be a part of the process!”
Joshua Wilkinson
Born and bred in Moston in Manchester, Joshua attended St Anne’s Academy in Middleton before progressing to Pendleton College, Salford where he studied Media Production.
Deciding against university, Joshua chose to take on a couple of years of self-development. It was during this period he discovered Contact through The Agency, following which he was involved in a ‘Sharing the Stage’ workshop and subsequently joined Contact Young Company and Creative Experts.
Joshua currently co-owns a video production company called Modify Productions. It produces short form video content for businesses to use as self-promotion on websites and/or social channels.
“I see Contact as an exciting community of creative people and a place that celebrates diversity, change and the potential in future generations. I want to give back to Contact and help to reach out to other young people so that they can experience the support and learn the skills that have helped me from day one.”