Shoreditch Town Hall has announced the appointment of five new Trustees to its Board as the organisation celebrates its 160th anniversary and prepares for its next chapter.
Joining the Board are Chloë Bird, Kwame Otiende, Laura Gabe, Stevan Tennant and Umesh Kumar, who collectively bring expertise spanning heritage and public engagement, live music and community development, cultural fundraising, regeneration and placemaking, and entrepreneurship and economic development.
The appointments strengthen the organisation’s governance at a significant moment for the independent East London venue, adding experience from the cultural, civic, commercial and community sectors alongside strong local connections to Hackney and East London.
As an independent venue, Shoreditch Town Hall combines a busy programme of cultural and commercial hires with a community of resident tenants. This activity generates vital income that supports its artistic programme and helps the organisation continue to champion ambitious and accessible work.
Among the new Trustees, Chloë Bird brings extensive experience in heritage participation and public engagement, having worked with organisations including the National Trust, Historic England and Southbank Centre. Kwame Otiende adds more than 15 years of experience across London’s arts, culture and live music sectors, alongside a strong background in community development and public service.
Laura Gabe joins with significant expertise in cultural fundraising and is currently working on London Museum’s £100 million capital campaign for its new Smithfield site. Stevan Tennant contributes more than three decades of experience in regeneration and development, while Umesh Kumar brings a background in entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development through his leadership of Allia Impact.
Since opening in 1866, Shoreditch Town Hall has evolved from a civic centre and music hall into one of London’s leading independent cultural venues. The organisation supports established and emerging artists through residencies, development opportunities and creative space, with a particular commitment to LGBTQIA+ and trans artists, women-led work and artists from the Global Majority.
Julie Flavell, Chief Executive Officer at Shoreditch Town Hall, said: “We are delighted to welcome five exceptional new Trustees to Shoreditch Town Hall. Their appointment adds valuable expertise in local knowledge, buildings, heritage and income generation to an already strong and committed Board. I look forward to working with them, and to their support for me and the team, as we continue to grow Shoreditch Town Hall’s impact and ambitions.”
Tamsin Ace, Chair of Shoreditch Town Hall, added: “I am thrilled to welcome our new Trustees to the Board. Their experience complements the skills and dedication already around the table, giving Shoreditch Town Hall an extraordinary wealth of expertise. This is an exciting moment for us as we continue to strengthen a Board that will support the organisation’s long-term success and sustainability.”
The five new Trustees will support Shoreditch Town Hall’s continued growth and artistic ambitions while helping to deepen its relationship with Hackney and East London.
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