What is the Business Leaders on Arts Boards Programme?
Business Leaders on Arts Boards is a long running programme, founded by Arts & Business NI and proudly supported by A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland - which strategically places business professionals onto the boards of leading local arts organisations. Making use of our unique and unrivalled network of business and arts contacts, applicants will work closely with the A&BNI team to find a position that suits both their personal creative passions and professional expertise.
If you are less established in your career and aged 21 - 35, we also have a Young Leaders on Arts Boards Programme
Why should I consider joining?
• Because you have a passion for the arts, and a desire to work with personal impact to help the cultural sector thrive locally.
• Because you have strategic, commercial knowledge that can add immense practical value to the work of the local arts sector.
• Because peers in your industry who have participated all agree the experience has been profoundly rewarding.
• Because Supporting the local arts and culture sector is a crucial part of ensuring that Northern Ireland is an attractive and enjoyable place for you and your employees to live, work and play, both now and in the future.
What is included?
Participation in the Arts & Business NI Business Leaders on Arts Boards programme unlocks the following valuable benefits:
• A one-to-one diagnostic session with the A&BNI team to discuss your personal passions and career objectives, capturing SMART data to enable successful board placement.
• Fundamentals of Board Membership induction seminar, delivered by A&BNI’s Head of Arts. This seminar will help you understand more about Trustees’ roles in the cultural sector.
• Advocacy & Ambassador Training delivered by A&BNI’s Marketing Manager. This session will equip you with a practical understanding of best practice when acting as an advocate for your organisation and the arts sector.
• Financials Training delivered by Angela Craigan from Harbinson Mulholland, framing financial management within the cultural sector; the session provides a detailed understanding of forecasting, planning, cash flow and more.
• Facilitated opportunities and ongoing support to join the board of an arts or cultural organisation. A&BNI will arrange an introduction with the board of a carefully selected arts organisation, until a match is agreed. You may attend up to three board meetings as an observer, before officially joining the board.
• Access to a full year’s calendar of A&BNI’s cultural and networking events, designed to allow you to form connections and build your art sector knowledge and contacts. This includes our flagship Governance Conference which takes place annually.
• Ongoing support, advice and guidance on governance, board development and changes in charity law for the duration of your board term from the team at Arts & Business NI.
Am I eligible?
- Applicants have experience of working at a senior level within their industry.
- Applicants will be located in Northern Ireland.
- We also welcome applications from recently retired businesspeople.
Costs
Business members of Arts & Business NI can access a preferential rate to participate in our Board Bank programme- please speak to us about business membership.
• £300 + VAT per participant (Arts & Business NI Member rate)
• £400+ VAT per participant (non - A&BNI Member rate)
Costs are payable only upon acceptance into the programme.
How do I apply?
Please submit your completed form along with your CV to info@artsandbusinessni.org.uk by 5pm on Fri 18th July 2025. Successful applicants will be notified and invited to interview in August 2025. If you have any questions or queries please contact m.mckervey@artsandbusinessni.org.uk.
Funders & Supporter
The Leaders on Arts Board programme is proudly supported by A&L Goodbody. 
This programme is subsidised by our principal funder Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Our Funders & Partners
Arts & Business NI is generously supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
