Jonathan is an accomplished Senior International Arts Director with substantial experience across the creative economy and culture industries, with 30 years leading large scale culture programmes across government, non-profit, and commercial sectors. He has proven success in shaping international cultural relations, driving public diplomacy, and building high impact prestigious arts and education partnerships.
He is skilled in strategy, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and policy influence, with a strong record of leading diverse teams and delivering measurable results on global stages. He has shown leadership and motivation of high-performing teams (9 direct reports, 300 staff). He is recognised for advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion while spearheading programmes with significant social, cultural, and economic impact.
Jonathan was commissioned by British Council senior leadership to undertake strategic review of the UK Pavilion, La Biennale Venice for art and architecture commissions, exhibitions, fellowships, tours, and pavilion restoration. Review culminated with La Biennale Venezia awarding Special Mention for National Participation, Architecture 2025.
As Director Arts India, British Council, Jonathan led the UK’s strategic international cultural relations programme spanning B2G, B2B, and B2C sectors, representing UK cultural interests at high-level summits, and commissioning seminal creative economy research influencing policy change. He directed the India/UK Together Season of Culture, impacting 1,945 artists and 51 partners across 21 cities, reaching 14.3M audiences.
Prior to British Council Jonathan was a theatre producer, including Executive Director at Tara Arts where he oversaw award winning £2.8M capital redevelopment, expanding the theatre’s capacity and impact; founded Black Theatre Live national touring consortium securing over £1M in funding to champion Black and Asian talent; and delivered multiple national tours, co-productions, and West End transfers with leading UK theatres to grow audiences.