Governance Now 2026: Purpose & Place

Join us for Governance Now 2026 – the flagship conference exploring cultural sector governance. Governance Now 2026, presented by Clore Leadership and the Cultural Governance Alliance (CGA) comes to Middlesbrough Town Hall on Tuesday 3 November 2026. This year, we’re delighted to partner with Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, and your conference ticket includes an exclusive private view of the Turner Prize 2026 exhibition at MIMA, offering delegates the chance to experience one of the UK's biggest cultural events before the conference begins. Politics change. Good governance responds. But how can boards lead through change while staying true to their purpose and the places they serve? As political priorities shift, new devolved powers reshape decision-making, funding remains uncertain and public expectations continue to evolve, boards are being asked to lead with greater confidence, clarity and accountability than ever before. This year’s conference will ask trustees and executive leaders: how can courageous governance create the conditions for organisations, leaders and communities to thrive? Why attend: • Hear from leading voices from across culture, arts funding, local government and public life. • Explore practical approaches to today's biggest governance challenges, from devolution and ethical fundraising to AI, disability, crisis leadership and public trust. • Exchange ideas and experiences with fellow Chairs, Trustees, CEOs and executive leaders from across the UK. • Take away new tools, questions and approaches to strengthen your board's effectiveness and resilience. • Be challenged by fresh thinking that will help you navigate governance for a rapidly changing landscape. “Governance Now feels like a major event in the calendar and a brilliant networking opportunity." - Governance Now 2025 delegate Governance Now 2026 is more than a conference. It's an opportunity to step away from day-to-day pressures, connect with fellow leaders, challenge your thinking and return with practical ideas, stronger networks and renewed confidence for the decisions ahead. Experience Middlesbrough This year's conference takes place at Middlesbrough Town Hall, at the heart of a region that demonstrates the role culture can play in shaping place, partnerships and civic leadership. As part of your conference experience, you'll also be invited to an exclusive private view of the Turner Prize 2026 exhibition at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) on the evening before the conference. Join fellow delegates for one of the UK's most significant moments in contemporary art before the galleries open to the public, creating the perfect setting to connect with peers from across the sector ahead of the conference. Tickets As part of our commitment to keeping Governance Now as accessible as possible, we’ve set up ticket bands carefully, so please purchase the right ticket for you, your organisation and your circumstance. Monday 2 November If you want to join us the day before the full conference for "Are you Good in a Crisis? Introducing the Culure Crisis Lab" and a private view of the 2026 Turner Prize exhibition, please make sure you include those additional tickets when you check out. Your registration information is stored confidentially (in line with Clore Leadership's Privacy Policy and GDPR processes.)