Conference: 3 Nov 26
Governance Now 2026 – the flagship conference exploring cultural sector governance, presented by Clore Leadership and the Cultural Governance Alliance (CGA) – returns to Middlesbrough on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
This year, we’re delighted to partner with Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, and your conference ticket includes an exclusive private view of the Turner Prize 2026 exhibition at MIMA, offering delegates the chance to experience one of the UK’s biggest cultural events before the conference begins.
Politics change. Good governance responds. But how can boards lead through change while staying true to their purpose and the places they serve? As political priorities shift, new devolved powers reshape decision-making, funding remains uncertain and public expectations continue to evolve, boards are being asked to lead with greater confidence, clarity and accountability than ever before. This year’s conference will ask trustees and executive leaders: how can courageous governance create the conditions for organisations, leaders and communities to thrive? Why attend: Hear from leading voices from across culture, arts funding, local government and public life. Explore practical approaches to today’s biggest governance challenges, from devolution and ethical fundraising to AI, disability, crisis leadership and public trust. Exchange ideas and experiences with fellow Chairs, Trustees, CEOs and executive leaders from across the UK. Take away new tools, questions and approaches to strengthen your board’s effectiveness and resilience. Be challenged by fresh thinking that will help you navigate governance for a rapidly changing landscape. “Governance Now feels like a major event in the calendar and a brilliant networking opportunity” Session topics will include: Opening Keynote from Dawn Airey CBE, newly appointed Chair, Arts Council England State of the Nation Morning Keynote – perspectives from key sector leaders debating the State of the Nation. Topics will include the devolution agenda, political polarisation, and sector hyper-visibility that cultural institutions are facing. Purposeful Philanthropy – this session will explore how boards can balance financial resilience while remaining focused on their purpose and organisational values, amongst intense funding pressures and heightened scrutiny. Ditch the Default: Many cultural organisations become charitable companies by default, without ever being told there are alternatives. This session looks beyond that norm to the structures fewer trustees know well and explores what these alternatives might offer a cultural organisation. It will also examine the gaps in standard model constitutions, to help make governance work in practice. Local Government: Change and Strategic Partnership: explores how evolving local government structures are reshaping the cultural landscape and what this means for governance. The session examines how boards can build stronger strategic relationships with local authorities to maximise impact and influence. Join us on Monday 2 November for a dynamic, interactive taster session Are you good in a crisis? Introducing the Culture Crisis Lab – this session introduces a participatory model for co-creating disaster recovery procedures alongside your staff, volunteers and geographic neighbours. Speaker list so far: Fiona Allan – Strategy & Governance Consultant Dawn Airey CBE – Chair, Arts Council England Keith Arrowsmith – Managing Director, ProArtsPlus Paul Blundell – Head of Digital Research and Development, Arts Marketing Association Ada Burns – Chair, Teesside University Chris Cooke– Mayor of Middlesbrough Erica Crump – Managing Partner, Bates Wells Catherine Holden – Consultant, Facilitator, Coach Abid Hussain – Director, Diversity, Arts Council England Charlie Kemp – Head of Creative Place at Tees Valley Combined Authority Gaye Kirby – Head of Culture, Middlesbrough Council Dr Suzann McLean MBE – CEO/Artistic Director of Theatre Peckham Andrew Miller – UK Arts Access Champion for All In Dave Moutrey – Director of Culture, Manchester Karen O’Neil – CEO, HOME Manchester Sarah Pickthall – co-chair, Access All Areas Productions Mark Robinson – Founder, Thinking Practice Anna Rowe – Arts Consultant Moira Sinclair – Chair, Factory International & Chair, Clore Leadership Mark Simpson – Incoming Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Teesside University Jo Verrent – Director, Unlimited Bill Vince – Senior Relationship Manager, Arts Council England Vici Wreford-Sinnott – Artistic Director, Little Cog Find out more about the speakers here.
Main link: https://www.cloreleadership.org/news-events/events/governance-now-2026-purpose-place/
Contact email for public enquiries: info@cloreleadership.org
