As a women-led venue, we are thrilled to be working with so many amazing women across our team and to be supporting a range of women-led works in our Spring programme this year. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting this team of fantastic women. Next up is Emma Stenning, the current Chair of our Board.

Can you introduce yourself, and tell us a little about your job? 

Hello, I’m Emma and my main job is as Chief Executive of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). The CBSO is one of the world’s finest orchestras, an ensemble of 90 brilliant players who perform at our home, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, as well as on local, regional, national and international tour. We also have two youth orchestras, and four choral groups, the extraordinary CBSO Chorus, the Youth Chorus, Children’s Chorus, and SO Vocal (our community chorus).

My job is to lead the company, ensuring that it stays creatively vibrant and financially resilient, bringing world class music to people in Birmingham, the West Midland and beyond.

Why did you want to join Shoreditch Town Hall’s board and what do you enjoy about working with team? 

I was really inspired by the ambition of Shoreditch Town Hall to be an inclusive, creative, welcoming space at the heart of its community. It’s a beautiful building, and the possibilities are endless, whether that be for live performance, talks and debate, community activities or private/corporate hires. I was so impressed by the staff team, and could see that there was real potential to develop a business that would both care for the building, and support all of the wonderful things that could happen within it. 

For me, it’s about the people. The Town Hall has a brilliant team, at both staff and board level, and everyone’s passion for the organisation just shines through. I also love the immense variety of what happens here – one day a ground-breaking theatre performance, the next queer cabaret, the next a seriously elegant wedding or corporate event, the next vibrant timely debates and podcast recordings. It’s ever changing, but always thinking about how to mean more to people in Shoreditch and the surrounding community. 

What values of Shoreditch Town Hall do you feel connect with you the most? 

I’ve always been inspired by the long legacy of pioneering women who have spoken out and demonstrated at Shoreditch Town Hall – it’s always felt like something of a radical space to me. Now, for the organisation to be overtly caring and inclusive, feels very special. 

You’ll be stepping down from the role of chair soon after a successful three-year term! What advice would you give to someone who would like to apply for the role? What can they expect? 

Go for it! The Chair’s role is a real delight, and I’ll be sad to leave, but I live in Birmingham now and am just too pulled into my day job to give the role the attention that it deserves. Shoreditch Town Hall is an organisation punching above its weight, and the small but mighty team set themselves a very high standard to live up to. For me, I’ve tried to offer some reflective space and strategic focus within the busy day to day challenges. 

There is momentum now in the building project too, which is exciting, and the new Chair will need to work alongside the CEO and team to keep that on track. There will be challenges, I am sure, but what a privilege to be able to care for such a special building. 

You can expect brilliant colleagues at board and staff level, a high degree of commitment from everyone, and some real fun along the way. 

Can you tell us about a woman who has inspired your journey in some way? 

Easy answer, Sarah Weir. She was my boss at Arts Council England (London), when I was running the theatre department there, and later joined my board at Bristol Old Vic. She was a real mentor to me – thoughtful, inspiring, strategic, bold, fun… just completely brilliant in every way. She wanted art to be in every community, to bring people together, and to create joy.  She always had time for me, always encouraged me, always pushed me further, and  supported me at every step and every wobble along the way. I miss her terribly. 

Thanks so much Emma!

We’re looking for a new Chair for our Board of Trustees to work with the CEO and the Board to help guide the leadership team to fulfil the building’s potential. If you are passionate about live performance and events, have strong governance and financial control skills, with a keen eye for strategy and foresight, then we would love to hear from you.

Deadline is this Friday 21 March 2025. To explore more and apply for the role click here, or to read our other Women’s History Month blogs, click here.