Creative membership network Arts & Business NI (A&B NI) is putting cultural governance in the spotlight this Autumn, in partnership with award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm Harbinson Mulholland.
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.
Brona Whittaker, Head of Arts at A&B NI commented; “We are excited to be bringing back our Cultural Governance Conference for the 12th year alongside our valued partners and members Harbinson Mulholland.
“We want to shout loud about the enormous contribution arts charity board members make in shaping the cultural landscape in Northern Ireland. Their work is absolutely vital.
“Board members volunteer their time and expertise to steer direction and bring new ideas to life. Their combined skills, perspectives, and experiences build success and strengthen the organisations they support.
“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 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.
Speaking about her role at the conference Kathleen Soriano said; “As Chair of two cultural organisations, the Liverpool Biennial and Art UK, I feel strongly about the role of the board in championing and driving forward creative missions, as well as in supporting their executive team, especially in such challenging times.
“I’m looking forward to the discussions at this year’s Cultural Governance Conference, where I will share my own experiences as Chair, and I’m even more excited about hearing fresh perspectives from others in the sector.”
Angela Craigan, Partner at Harbinson Mulholland, who is supporting the conference added; “Harbinson Mulholland play an active role in supporting good governance in the arts charity sector and are thrilled to be supporting this year’s Cultural Governance Conference.
“As a leading accountancy and business advisory firm we are proud to promote excellence and best practice in the field of charity corporate governance.”
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 the full speaker line-up and tickets visit www.artsandbusinessni.org.uk
