Business First December 2017 December BF Digital | Page 64

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Martin Bradley, MBE appointed as
Chair of Arts & Business NI
Dr Joanne Stuart OBE hands the chair over to Martin Bradley
fter 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 assumed 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 Northern
Ireland company, we are stronger and deeply
rooted within the Northern Ireland cultural
and private sector. Joanne has ensured we are
well placed for the next exciting phase in our
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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 vice­chair of the Arts
Council for Northern Ireland. 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