Speakers

Claire has just delivered an unparalleled Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine using all her exceptional diplomatic and creative skills to deliver something extraordinary for the UK

Claire developed and produced the successful participation programme (Creative Communities) that was instrumental in Liverpool winning European Capital of Culture bid. In 2006 she was appointed Executive Producer of European Capital of Culture with responsibility for major events, public participation, and community engagement. She received the MBE for services to the arts in 2009.

Claire has led the legacy program in Liverpool over the last 10 years supporting and funding 35 cultural organisations, bringing new commercial events to the city and designing and producing a creative program for Liverpool that shapes it as a destination and a place to live. She sits on the City Regions Cultural Partnership and the Visitor Economy Board and is a Town Centre commissioner for the City Region. Claire is a recipient of many awards the most recent being Eventex Best Events Team in the UK and 15th in the World.

Claire is a national and international advisor and speaker on best practice in Culture acting for Arts Council England and Ireland, the British Council, Local Government Association and represented the UK in Thailand, Brazil and China. Claire was a Director on the Board of Derry/Londonderry the inaugural City of Culture program and is the European Board Director for Galway European Capital of Culture 2020. She was chosen by Karen Bradley, Secretary of State as the UK expert for the 2022 European Capital of Culture competition.

Claire has been Liverpool's lead on the Government Events Research Programme and has recently been appointed Deputy Chair for UK City of Culture Competition 2025