Cultural Governance Conference 2024

The annual A&B NI Cultural Governance Conference has been celebrating trustee voices and tackling the big issues for charity boards for over a decade. The event returns this October with a stand-out line-up of speakers who will be championing the unsung heroes of charity boards. This year we are delighted to welcome sponsors, award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm Harbinson Mulholland to the stage.

This year our conference will have a blended approach, with in-person and online learning sessions available, so there’s more than one way for board members to take part. We’re aiming to create a space for board members to connect, learn, be inspired and to share their success stories. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions on current issues facing charity boards, alongside inspirational accounts of how trustees have driven positive change.
The keynote speaker of our in-person event in Belfast will be broadcaster, curator and writer Kathleen Soriano, whose broadcast activities have included ten series of SkyArts Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year. Kathleen will be leading discussions on arts governance, alongside cultural leaders and trustees from across the NI arts sector.

With our sponsors, Harbinson Mulholland we are delighted to be able to offer online resources for arts leaders and cultural trustees can access and watch on various topics from experts within the cultural governance field.
The Cultural Governance Conference takes place on 3 October 2024. The in-person conference will be complimented by an online conference learning series, which will go live on the same date.

For more information or accessibility enquires please contact [email protected] or ring us on 02890735150

A&B NI MEMBERS: Code for exclusive A&B NI member tickets found within Arts Member Comms. Please check your emails for code to access member only tickets**

Join us in person:

Book an in-person ticket and join us for a half day session in the stunning surrounds of the Belfast Harbour Office. Our in-person conference will feature conversations packed with inspiration and cover various topics and examples of good governance from current arts board trustees. Topics will include diversity and inclusion, the role of the Chair, navigating risk and challenges in arts governance.

Doors open at 9:00am for refreshments and event starts at 9:30am
In person speakers include:
Key note: Kathleen Soriano - Independent curator, consultant and broadcaster. With over 35 years’ experience in the art world, she has been responsible for exhibitions, collections and public programmes at the National Portrait Gallery, London and the Royal Academy of Arts, where she was Artistic Director (2009-14), as well as at Compton Verney Art Gallery, where she was previously Director. Her broadcast activities include the ten series of Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year for SkyArts. Kathleen is Chair of the Liverpool Biennial, and Chair of ArtUK, on the Visual Arts Committee of St Paul’s Cathedral and Advisory Council of 2 Temple Place.

Sophie Hayles - Chief Executive, Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast. She brings local, national and international perspectives in cultural leadership. Previously she led the fundraising team for a European Capital of Culture and was Strategic Development Manager at Whitechapel Gallery, London. As an Associate with Counterculture Partners LLP Sophie has delivered business plans, fundraising strategies, and governance training for creative and cultural organisations across the UK.

Margaret Mann - has been an essential part of Open Arts for 22 years. She is a founding member of the Open Arts Community Choir and an incredibly supportive, knowledgeable board member. As chairperson for the past 10 years, she has championed the organisation in their goal to provide opportunities for disabled people to participate in the arts. Margaret was awarded the A&B NI Leaders On Arts Boards Award in 2024.

Stephen McCrystall - works at the Equality & Human Rights Unit of the Education Authority and is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion & tackling inequalities. Stephen has recently joined Arts & Business NI's board through the Young Leaders on Arts Board programme.

Take Part Online

Available to view on demand 3rd October- 2nd December.

Book an online ticket and bring our practical governance learning series to your computer screen. The online sessions which will take a deep dive into practical governance topics, available for board members and cultural leaders to view at their leisure

We will have online videos on the following topics, with the full line-up to be announced in coming weeks. This is the perfect way to continue the conference on your own schedule.

30- 40 minute videos will cover topics on:

· Organisations Going Through Changes- Navigating Risk and Change

· What's the Point?- Why having good governance is so important to your cultural organisation

· Chatting About Cash - what to ask as a trustee when it comes to finance and as a cultural leader, what you should ask your board!

· Is your board truly inclusive or diverse? - Diversity on the board

· Cracking the Code- Cyber security on your board

· Dude, Where’s my Board?- Processes and Handovers.

· Raising Funds- Fundraising on the board

If you have a refund request please get in touch with us directly

For more information or accessibility enquires please contact [email protected] or ring us on 02890735150

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Belfast Harbour Commissioners Harbour Office, Corporation Square, Belfast, United Kingdom