Manchester City Council (MCC) and the University of Manchester (UM) have announced that a joint director will lead two of the city's prominent art galleries.

An agreement has been reached in principle that will see Dr Maria Balshaw extend her role as Whitworth Art Gallery director to head Manchester Art Gallery too. The joint post is to come into effect when Manchester Art Gallery director Moira Stevenson retires and is designed to help bring significant benefits to the attractions.

MCC leader Sir Richard Leese said: "This innovative arrangement will assist Manchester to realise its ambitions to become a world-class cultural city with a world-renowned university. "We believe there are significant social and economic benefits to having such a vibrant artistic scene and this development will ensure we not only safeguard, but significantly enhance the city's cultural reputation."

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, UM president and vice-chancellor, added: "This new arrangement illustrates how Manchester is prepared to pioneer new modes of leadership for the arts to achieve mutual benefits."