Homotopia, the UK’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ arts festival, has appointed Jayne Compton as Artistic Director and CEO.
Jayne (she/her) is an executive producer and programmer with over 20 years’ experience commissioning and producing contemporary performance, theatre and interdisciplinary art. Throughout her career, Jayne has collaborated with queer genre defining artists including David Hoyle and Marisa Carnesky. With a wealth of experience bringing ambitious artistic projects to life, Jayne has produced and toured work extensively across the UK and internationally. Her projects have been presented at venues and festivals including the Sydney Opera House, Serpentine, Barbican, Southbank Centre, SXSW, Sharjah Biennial, Edinburgh International Festival, Factory International, The National Theatre, MoMA, and Whitworth.
Jayne is currently Executive Producer of The Paul O’Grady Story at Williamson Art Gallery (2026) and previously worked with Homotopia as Creative Producer on the landmark exhibition The Holly Johnson Story at Museum of Liverpool (2024-25).
Jayne says:
“Having had the privilege of contributing to Homotopia’s Festival programme over many years, I am honoured to lead this remarkable institution into its next chapter as it approaches its 25th anniversary. Liverpool is a city of extraordinary energy and Homotopia has established itself as a place where experimentation and culture meet and queer world making is presented.”
Laura Hall & John Shortell Co-Chairs of the Board of trustees says:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jayne to Homotopia. She brings a remarkable track record of producing ambitious, artist-centred work and a deep commitment to supporting creative talent.
Having already worked closely with Homotopia, Jayne understands our values, our community and our ambitions for the future.
We are excited to see her leadership help shape the next chapter of the organisation and continue to strengthen Homotopia’s role as a leading champion of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture.”
At Homotopia, Jayne will lead on programming, producing, fundraising and organisational strategy, bringing her extensive experience of artist development and producing bold contemporary work to the organisation.
Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Homotopia as we continue to champion LGBTQIA+ artists, create space for ambitious Queer work and bring artists and audiences together in Liverpool and beyond. Jayne has been instrumental in programming Homotopia Festival 2026: We Come Together, what better way to celebrate?
We’re thrilled to have you with us, Jayne!
Jayne’s Five Unmissable Moments at Homotopia 2026 for Manchester Wire