Arts & Business NI announce New Chair

After six years as Chairman of Arts & Business NI, Dr Joanne Stuart OBE is to hand over the reins to Martin Bradley MBE. Martin has been a Director on the board since 2015 and has extensive connections with the arts community and public and private sector. Martin will assume the role of Chair on 1 October 2017 with Joanne stepping down from the Board at the end of the year.

Joanne led the creative charity that brokers innovative partnerships between the Arts and the private sector, through a period of change as they demerged from the UK to set up as an independent NI company in 2011.

Speaking about Joanne, Mary Nagele CEO of Arts & Business NI commented: “Joanne has been an inspiring Chairman, and has supported both me and the organisation over the last six years. Her vast experience, networks and confident direction have both guided and strengthened the organisation – we have grown our membership, raised our profile and developed and enhanced our brand. Now six years as an independent NI company, we are stronger and deeply rooted within the NI cultural and private sector. Joanne has ensured we are well placed for the next exciting phase in our company’s history and development.” 

The new Chair, Martin Bradley MBE is a former Mayor of Derry City Council, and was Chair of Culture Company 2013, the body responsible for the delivery of the first UK City of Culture in Derry/Londonderry. He has extensive connections with the arts community in the city and wider region.  He is currently Chairman of the Millennium Forum Theatre and Craft Northern Ireland as well as former Chair of the Ormeau Baths Gallery Belfast and former vice-chair of the Arts Council for NI.  He was awarded an MBE in January 2008 for services to the arts in Northern Ireland. He is currently Head of HSC Pension Service in Northern Ireland.

Mary Nagele commented: “We are really delighted that Martin Bradley will take over as Chair of Arts & Business NI. With his impressive experience and network across the public and private sector, and his experience and passion for the Arts, he will complement the current board. He is a powerful ambassador for A&B NI and for the power of the Arts and creativity to transform people, companies and places. Martin is perfectly placed to lead us through the next phase of our growth and propel the organisation towards continued success.”

“I would also wish to take this opportunity to thank Joanne for all her work and commitment to the organisation and I'm looking forward to working with a fantastic Board and the team at A&B NI.” said Martin Bradley, MBE, Chair, Arts & Business NI