We took direction and inspiration from a group of experienced and talented cultural champions.
Culture24’s reputation and network is very strong in the digital, technology and media sectors, as is our diverse board of 12 trustees. Many have direct links into many of the top companies within these rapidly growing industries, as well as in-depth financial, business and cultural sector experience.
Yvonne Hardman (chair) is Head of Collections and Programmes at Leeds Museums and Galleries, the largest local authority-run museum service in the country, running nine museums across the city. Prior to this she worked in the North West, most recently as the art curator at Touchstones Rochdale for over ten years. Yvonne has previously been a director at Manchester Craft and Design Centre and an artistic assessor for Arts Council England.
Kati Price heads up digital media and publishing at the Victoria and Albert Museum, managing a team that works in technology, design and content. She’s responsible for the brand and user experience of the V&A’s digital estate and oversees content commissioning and production. Kati is passionate about user-centred design, content and the digital realm. She is a mentor and coach and regularly speaks at international conferences.
Ros Lawler has over 20 years’ experience of working with world leading commercial and not for profit organisations including Channel 4, Radio 1, Random House Publishing and Tate, with a focus on digital strategy and change management. Ros is now Chief Operating Officer at the National Portrait Gallery where she is working on Inspiring People – a 3 year project which will transform the Gallery.
Zak Mensah helps people to make a ruckus. In November 2020 Zak became co-CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust. Before this role he was Head of Transformation for the Culture & Creative Industries Service at Bristol City Council. Zak’s background is in staff development and digital and he has been on the web since the late 90s.
Anouska Spiers is a lawyer and business affairs executive with over 15 years’ experience working with leading media and entertainment franchises. Currently Commercial Director at The Theseus Agency, she also oversaw the commercial activity relating to Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts for J K Rowling, and was COO for Matthew Vaughn & Claudia Schiffer’s MARV Studios, owner of the Kingsman brand.
Rob Yates has worked in fundraising for more than 15 years. He has worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Royal Pavilion & Museums in Brighton, where he helped establish a successful fundraising programme. He is a Development Manager at the University of Sussex.