Michelle Escoffery
Founder/Curator/Chair, Kindred/Ivors Academy Trust
Michelle Escoffery is an award winning songwriter, music curator, cultural strategist and sector expert with over two decades of experience championing artists, grassroots scenes and equitable music ecosystems. Founder and curator of Kindred, an eclectic live music and spoken word platform established in 2000 and relaunched in 2024 at Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room. Michelle is Chair of The Ivors Academy Trust and Chair of Newcastle and Gateshead Music City, working across policy and practice as a mentor, peer reviewer and consultant on regional and national music strategy. She holds an MA in Creative and Cultural Industries from Middlesex University and is respected for her artist-centred, place-based approach to music development.