Nisha is the founder & Chief Executive of ArtsEkta – one of the only organisations in Ireland promoting intercultural arts, culture and heritage and a vibrant social enterprise. She founded this organisation in 2006 following two decades of experience in the arts and after discovering a critical
She holds a degree from the National School of Drama in New Delhi and is a trained Indian Classical dancer. In addition, she is a member Belfast City Council’s Festival Forum and has been a previous board member of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Cultural Cities Enquiry and currently serving Board member on Voluntary Arts UK and Community Relations Council.

In 2007 Nisha initiated Northern Ireland’s first multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary arts festival Belfast Mela, now attracting annual audiences of up to 30,000 people and in 2014, Nisha was the first Asian woman from Northern Ireland to be awarded the prestigious UK Asian Women of Achievement Award for contribution to arts culture and heritage, and later an OBE for services to the minority ethnic sector in the Queen’s Honours List. In 2015, Nisha won the British Indian Award for ‘Indian Spirit in the Community’ presented by Trade Next and BDO. Nisha has also been awarded the Chief Officers Third Sector award for Leading Growth & Innovation in 2016.