A COVENTRY woman who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to developing culture in the city has been awarded an honorary doctorate of arts.
Jane Hytch was given the honour by Coventry University for her work as founder and chief executive of Imagineer Productions, which brings together artists with engineers and architects to create remarkable outdoor projects.
She has also worked with city institutions such as Belgrade Theatre and Coventry Cathedral.
Jane founded Imagineer Productions in 2005, with its notable projects including a 10-metre-high puppet of Lady Godiva for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
She has overseen the group’s move to its new home at the Daimler Powerhouse, a £2.5million creative hub in Coventry which is available for artists and creatives to develop new work.
From January, Jane be beginning semi-retirement leading the Creative Explorers programme in Nuneaton and Bedworth, working together with Imagineer’s new Creative Director and CEO Angus MacKechnie.
She said: “I’ve had the most fantastic time working with the biggest institutions in the city.
“Coventry is a hugely diverse city with people who have innovation in their heart and soul.
“Coventry has got such an exciting future and I hope I’ve played my part in establishing the arts firmly in the city.”
A spokesperson for Imagineer Productions added: “Over these 30 years, Jane has been at the helm of a multitude of groundbreaking arts events that have brought joy and creativity to tens of thousands of people across Coventry and around the world, as well as bringing in millions of pounds in funding to the city.
“We are absolutely delighted Jane’s exceptional career has been recognised in this way, as she prepares to semi-retire and move into a new role with Imagineer.”
