Saad Eddine Said

Annabel Turpin

Olwen Dawe

Fiona Bell

Cultural Governance Conference 2025

Arts & Business NI is a membership organisation for cultural and commercial businesses in Northern Ireland: from theatre companies to banks, solicitors to galleries. We spark connections between our members, to to achieve their big ambitions.  Arts & Business NI has been working for over 30 years to champion the important role of creativity in the cultural and commercial sectors.

Arts & Business NI

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

The Duncairn

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&amp;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 leadersTo receive information directly to your inbox about this event please email h.foskett@artsandbusinessni.org.uk 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.<a href="https://www.theduncairn.com/live-music" title="https://www.theduncairn.com/live-music" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">live music — The Duncairn</a>

Agenda

Doors open with refreshments 

A&B NI Welcome

HM Chartered Accountants Welcome

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

Insights from Saad Eddine Said

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!

Leading with People- Saad Eddine Said & Fiona Bell in conversation

Comfort Break

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. 

Insights from Annabel Turpin

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. 

Turning Insight into Action — Annabel Turpin & Olwen Dawe 

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

What does it feel like to be starting out? 

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

Q&A for all speakers

A&B NI Closing

Networking and event ends

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