Martina Murphy

• Title: Chair

Martina started her journey into the arts at the Oldham Music Centre, stepped into acting at Oldham Theatre Workshop, before studying performing arts at Oldham College. Since then, she has led arts and creative organisations and collaborated with artists, organisations, and communities from around the world.

From leading the international programme for the UK Cities of Culture programme, comprising a mammoth twenty two projects across six countries, to bringing the Everyman Theatre to life, Martina has consistently pushed boundaries and championed innovative approaches to the arts. Notably, Martina secured the first arts sponsorship for Liverpool Football Club's Reds Gallery at the Bluecoat. She was part of the 2017 Hull City of Culture team, LEAP Dance Festival, Culture Warrington, and was Arts Programme Director for the British Council. Martina is a firm believer in the power of creativity to transform lives and communities. This belief has led her to establish Artal, a consultancy that helps creative businesses thrive.

Returning to her hometown of Oldham has been a serendipitous moment for Martina. As the town reimagines what theatre means to its community, Martina is grateful and excited to be part of this journey. Her deep connection to the town and her understanding of its unique cultural heritage make her the perfect advocate for the arts in Oldham.