Tracy brings over 20 years of experience in the creative industries to her role as Chair. With a background spanning performing arts, academia, health, social justice, and technology, she is currently the Artistic Director and CEO of SICK! Festival, a leading arts and health-focused organisation based in Manchester. Gentles has a long history of championing diversity, equity, and inclusion through her work, particularly focusing on amplifying underrepresented voices and facilitating entry points for new audiences and participants.

Tracy's extensive experience includes roles such as the founding Creative Director and CEO of Something To Aim For, and leadership in organisations like The Sick of the Fringe and In Company Collective, where she developed programmes focused on arts, health, and social justice. Her commitment to inclusion and social justice is informed by her lived experience as a working-class woman of colour. Gentles is also Chair of the Advisory Board at HighRise Entertainment CIC and serves as an appointed member of Manchester City Council’s Cultural Consortium Steering Group, supporting the development of the city's next cultural strategy.