Governance Now 2025: Power

Governance Now – the flagship conference exploring cultural governance, presented by Clore Leadership on behalf of the Cultural Governance Alliance (CGA) – returns to London for its seventh iteration on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.

Power shapes culture – and culture shapes power. Governance Now 2025 will navigate the interplay of power across culture, policy and practice in the context of a complex political landscape and challenging funding environment.

Attendees will explore the evolving power dynamics across boards, executive teams, and communities, unpacking how political shifts, funding reforms, and cultural debates are reshaping governance, accountability, and how power is held, shared, and impacts creative and cultural practice.

In-person schedule (Shoreditch Town Hall): outlined above

Online schedule (feat. plenary sessions and selected additional sessions): to be confirmed in August

What to expect:

“It was an amazing day. I found the speeches very thought provoking, and loved speaking as well. I learnt a lot about governance, which I’ve taken back to my board, prompting some great conversations.”

We welcome Chairs, Trustees, CEOs and key governance decision-makers to hear from and engage with an industry-leading line-up of speakers from across culture, local government, and public bodies, sharing fresh insights and practical strategies to strengthen your board’s effectiveness, resilience, and responsiveness in a landscape where power, politics and constant change consistently intertwine.

Join fellow cultural leaders in a series of keynotes, roundtables, provocations and breakout sessions to explore topics including:

Two at the Top – explores the evolving power dynamic between the Chair and CEO, examining how clarity, collaboration, and conflict shape effective governance from the top down.

The Power of One – explores how philanthropy, influence and evolving income models are reshaping traditional income streams and how organisations can harness this shift to build more sustainable, mission-driven funding models.

Power Shifts – unpacks how board recruitment has evolved from relying on elite networks to seeking diverse, mission-aligned leaders and the shifting power dynamics reshaping who gets a seat at the table.

Gatekeepers of the Art – explores the influence curators and commissioners hold in shaping artistic narratives, and whose voices are amplified, or silenced, in the cultural landscape.

Governance and Board Dynamics – start your day with a helpful overview of governance for new trustees / refresher for those with more experience.

Confirmed speakers include:

Delia Barker – Chair, Phoenix Dance Theatre & CEO Brixton House

Darren Henley – CEO Arts Council England

Obi James – Inclusion & Leadership Expert

Stella Kanu – CEO Shakespeare’s Globe

Yasmin Khan – Director, Individual Practitioners and London, Arts Council England

Caroline Norbury – CEO, Creative England

Nicola Nuttall – Consultant and Director of Tempus Fugit Consultancy & Director, Charles Causley Trust

Laura Pye – Director, National Museums Liverpool & Chair, National Museum’s Directors Council

Fran Sanderson CFA – CEO, Figurative

Jenny Sealey – Artistic Director, Graeae Theatre Company

Moira Sinclair – Chair, Factory International & Chair, Clore Leadership

Jenny Waldman – Director, Art Fund

Kate Varah – Executive Director National Theatre

More speakers and full programme to be announced soon…

Headline Supporter: Green Park

Supported by Arts Council England's Transforming Governance Programme

Media Partner: Arts Professional

Drinks Reception Sponsor: Achates Community

Special Offers

*** Multi-buy offer: Use code MULTIBUY2025 to buy one, get one half price for in-person tickets for organisations (limited availability)

*** Early Bird CGA Member offer: Members of the Cultural Governance Alliance can access Early Bird prices with 10% off full price, non-subsidised tickets until 29 August or until sold out (limited availability). Existing members will receive an email with the code – new members can sign up here: culturalgovernancealliance.org/join-us/