Cultural Governance Conference 2025

Join us to reimagine what cultural governance looks like - how we can, not just reflect our communities, but be truly led by them.

At this year’s A&B NI Cultural Governance Conference, supported by award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm HM Chartered Accountants, we’ll explore fresh ways of thinking about governance—and how leadership in the boardroom and beyond, can become more inclusive, dynamic, and community-led. Together, we’ll explore governance models that redistribute power, broaden access, and enrich programming.

With our spotlight speakers Saad Eddine Said from New Art Exchange and Annabel Turpin from Storyhouse, we’ll hear about different approaches to reimagining governance and embedding communities at the heart of decision-making in organisations. We’ll also hear fresh insights from emerging organisations starting out on their governance journeys and challenging established models.

Attendees can expect

· Thought-provoking discussions on current issues facing charity boards, alongside inspirational accounts of how trustees and leaders are driving positive change.

· Opportunities to engage, share new ways of working and ask questions

· Opportunities to connect, learn and be inspired by fellow board members and leaders

To receive information directly to your inbox about this event please email [email protected]

About the venue:

The Duncairn Arts Centre is based in North Belfast and provides a wide range of arts, culture and entertainment events for everyone to enjoy. As a vibrant, creative hub, it is an important space for the local community and an integral member of the wider arts network across Belfast and beyond.

live music — The Duncairn

Info: Saad Eddine Said is a curator who initiates and develops partnerships between communities, creatives, and institutions to reshape the future of towns and cities. His purpose is to re-think and re-imagine the potential of citizens as a societal foundation for leadership and decision-making. He is the CEO and Artistic Director of New Art Exchange Co-Director and Co-Founder of Citizens In Power and Co-Chair of Contemporary Visual Arts Network England

Info: What does it mean to truly put community at the heart of an arts organisation? In this compelling conversation with Saad and Fiona, we will delve into the power of listening, collaboration, and shared ownership shape not just projects, but purpose of an organisation. For anyone committed to meaningful cultural work, this is a conversation about leadership that listens, responds, and belongs to the many—not just the few!

Info: Time for refreshment top ups and chats!

Info: Annabel Turpin is Chief Executive of Storyhouse in Chester, one of the country’s largest arts centres, incorporating theatres, a cinema and the city’s library, and welcoming more than 800,000 visitors a year. She is also Co-Director of the 170-strong, Future Arts Centres national network, championing the role of arts centres in driving social, economic and cultural change. In December 2023, she was appointed as North Area Council Chair and National Council member of Arts Council England.

Info: How can organisations stay agile, adaptive, and aligned with the people they serve? In this insightful conversation, Annabel & Olwen will discuss their insights on practical strategies for driving meaningful change—from reading the data behind the numbers to truly listening to your audience.

Info: As part of the morning, we want to consider what it feels like to be an emerging professional trying to establish yourself in today’s cultural landscape. Without fresh ideas and new talent, we risk losing out on a wealth of creative potential. But how well is the sector, its governance structures, and funders, supporting this next generation? Do emerging companies feel pressure to mirror the models of more established organisations - and if not, what alternative approaches might they imagine instead? Featuring representees from Ulster Touring Opera (UTO) and Household/ Array Collective

Info: This is a time for attendees to ask any burning questions for our speakers and panelists

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Arts & Business NI