Ben provides strategic leadership for the Centre in areas of policy influence and engagement, supporting the Director and the Policy Officer to develop strong relationships with local, regional, national and international policymakers.

Ben served as Director of the Centre from 2019 until 2024. He is the Dean of Cultural Engagement at the University of Leeds, where his research encompasses arts management, arts marketing, audience studies and cultural policy, with a focus on audience engagement and enrichment; change management in the arts; and cultural value and leadership.

Prior to his academic career, Ben had 10 years’ experience in arts management, most recently as Producer at the National Theatre of Scotland.