Shoreditch Town Hall has announced the appointment of Tamsin Ace, Director of East Bank, as its new Chair.
Ace brings extensive leadership experience from some of the UK’s most influential cultural institutions, marking a new chapter for the landmark London venue.
Currently Director of East Bank, the UK’s newest cultural and education quarter on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Ace has worked with institutions including London College of Fashion; UAL, UCL East, Sadler’s Wells East, the V&A Storehouse and Museum, and BBC Music Studios.
Her work focuses on unlocking the collective potential of major cultural organisations while engaging meaningfully with local communities.
Ace previously served as Head of Cultural Programming at London College of Fashion (2021–2023), leading public engagement through fashion and design.
She was also Director of Creative Programmes and Collections at Museum of the Home, where she introduced a pioneering cultural strategy as part of the museum’s transformation.
During her decade at Southbank Centre, Ace became Head of Public Programming, curating major festivals including Imagine Children’s Festival, seasonal festivals, and Unlimited, a multi-artform festival showcasing work by disabled artists.
Julie Flavell, Chief Executive Officer at Shoreditch Town Hall, said:
“We’re thrilled that Tamsin will be our next Chair. She brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles in artistic venues, and in her current role as Director of East Bank, she offers valuable local connections and insight from major organisations. We’d also like to sincerely thank Emma for her brilliant leadership over the past three years — expertly guiding Shoreditch Town Hall through a financial re-gear, strengthening our resilience, and always offering positivity and encouragement.”
Ace’s appointment signals a future of artistic ambition and strategic growth for Shoreditch Town Hall.
Tamsin Ace commented:
“I’m delighted to be joining Shoreditch Town Hall as their new Chair. It is an exciting time for the organisation and I feel honoured to be part of this next chapter. Shoreditch Town Hall is known for its programming, commitment to community, and bringing people together, whether through bold work, creative partnerships or its vibrant commercial activity. I look forward to working with the Board and the exceptional team as the organisation continues to thrive in its unique role as an exciting cultural and historical space.”
Outgoing Chair Emma Stenning, Chief Executive of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, added:
“It has been an honour to work as Shoreditch Town Hall’s Chair these past three years. I have had the great pleasure of leading a terrific group of trustees, working alongside a fabulous staff team, and collaborating with two bold and brilliant CEOs, Beth Byrne, and her successor, Julie Flavell. There is so much to celebrate about Shoreditch Town Hall today – its place as a community hub, its fearless and inclusive creative programming, and the entrepreneurial commercial business that underpins both. Plus, the charity is steadily plotting the loving maintenance and repair of its cherished home, surely one of London’s landmark civic buildings. Tamsin joins at a tremendously exciting time, and I wish her every success in leading the company through its next chapter.”
More information can be found here.
