Creative membership network Arts & Business NI (A&B NI) is set to spark fresh conversations about the future of cultural governance this autumn, as the Cultural Governance Conference returns for its 13th year. The conference is proudly supported by award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm HM Chartered Accountants, marking the second year of this growing partnership.
Taking place on 23 October 2025, the conference will shine a light on how those in the boardroom can lead with purpose and will explore new models of governance, that are inclusive, and community led. From rethinking how power is shared to embedding communities at the heart of decision-making, this year’s event challenges established models and celebrates bold new thinking from the cultural sector.
Spotlight speakers include:
- Saad Eddine Said from New Art Exchange and Fiona Bell from Thrive will be sharing how they put communities in the driving seat, broadening access and enriching programming.
- Olwen Dawe from Safe to Create and Annabel Turpin from Storyhouse will be exploring how organisations can stay agile and adaptive. Discussing insights on practical strategies for driving meaningful change, from reading the data behind the numbers to truly listening to your audience.
Brona Whittaker, Head of Arts at A&B NI, said:
“Our Cultural Governance Conference is about celebrating the unsung heroes of charity boards, trustees who volunteer their time, skills, and expertise to shape Northern Ireland’s cultural landscape. For more than a decade this event has been championing trustee voices and tackling the biggest challenges facing charity boards. It’s a chance for trustees and leaders to come together, gain fresh insights, and walk away buzzing with exciting new ideas. This year, we’ll be asking how boards can go further, not just reflecting the communities they serve, but being truly led by them. We’ll explore leadership that listens, responds, and belongs to the many – not just the few!”
Angela Craigan, Partner at HM Chartered Accountants, added:
“At HM Chartered Accountants, we are delighted to once again support the Cultural Governance Conference with Arts & Business NI. As a leading accountancy and business advisory firm, we are proud to champion excellence in charity governance, a cornerstone of strong and sustainable organisations. Through our engagements with commercial and third-sector clients, we see first-hand how collaboration, innovation and robust governance create real impact. This conference is a celebration of the trustees and charity leaders who play such a vital role in shaping our communities, and we look forward to welcoming them again this year.”
This year’s conference will be held at community hub, The Duncairn Arts Centre in North Belfast. For the full speaker line-up and tickets visit >https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cultural-governance-conference-2025-tickets-1605609514279?aff=oddtdtcreator