New UK Trustee

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Hardy to the NIE Board of Trustees in the UK.

Following the decision of current Chair of Trustees, Sara Garnham, to step down this summer, after 10 years supporting our organisation, Claire joins NIE’s Board as Chair designate.

From the summer Claire will work with closely with Artistic Director, Alex Byrne, and Executive Director, Lisa Elmer, to further our vision and ambitions as we develop our new strategy for 2025-2028 and beyond.  Claire will also lead and support the Board of Trustees to fulfil their roles as custodians of NIE’s charitable mission in line with its core purpose.

Claire is currently Director of the Norris Museum in St Ives.  She has previously worked within the education sector and for Vivacity Peterborough, where she was instrumental in setting up PHACE the Peterborough Cultural Education Partnership during her time working in the city.

Speaking of Claire’s appointment Lisa Elmer, Executive Director, NIE said “We are delighted to welcome Claire to our Board of Trustees. She brings with her a wealth of local knowledge and experiences across the cultural and education sectors, which will be invaluable as we develop our new strategy.  We are incredibly grateful for all the support Sara has given us over the last 10 years, and the foundations she leaves us with to continue building on into the future”

Claire Hardy, said “As a passionate follower of NIE for many years now, I feel incredibly privileged to have been appointed as the new Chair of Trustees, especially at a time when the charity considers the next chapter, after a particularly exciting few years.  I inherit from Sara, not only almost a decade of care and dedication, but also an exceptional board of Trustees, who along with the fantastic UK team, have welcomed me so enthusiastically and warmly.  I look forward to taking up full position in August, where I hope to meet, in due course, many of our supporters and team members, who work across NIE’s vast portfolio of inspiring work.”

Sara Garnham, outgoing chair said “After 10 amazing years with NIE I am sad to be stepping down as chair, but as the organisation moves into a post COVID, post Brexit era it is time to hand over the reins.  I am very proud of what NIE has achieved in that time and am sure the company and board will continue with creating incredible shows for the next generations.”