Martina Murphy is an experienced professional with a significant background in developing and delivering successful programs that promote participation, equality of access, and growth in various areas. She has held several leadership positions, including the role of UK Region Arts Programme Director for the British Council.
During her time at the British Council, Martina led all large-scale programs in England, including the UK & Indonesia season in Liverpool and Indonesia. This program connected over 250 UK and Indonesian organizations and artists, facilitated international residencies for 72 artists, engaged 1,900 cultural professionals, and created over 90 collaborative works of art. The program reached an audience of over 500,000 people.
Martina also led the international partnership for the UK Cities of Culture program, collaborating with Hull 2017 to co-create and co-commission large-scale international programs across various art forms. She successfully delivered twenty-two projects in six countries, resulting in record-breaking audience numbers in Hull, with 9 out of 10 people attending a cultural event.
In addition to her work at the British Council, Martina has held senior management and leadership positions in the cultural sector. She has secured grants and other funding, developed strategic partnerships, and delivered cultural services and resources. Notably, she oversaw the Development & Partnerships team at the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres during the opening of the new Everyman Theatre. She successfully closed the capital campaign and individual giving telephone campaign, to ensure the future of the new Everyman Theatre. Martina also played a key role in securing a significant sponsorship deal with Liverpool Football Club for the ‘Reds Gallery’ at the Bluecoat, a cultural first for both the club and the city.
Martina’s ability to communicate a compelling vision to key stakeholders internally and externally has been instrumental in her success. She has worked in partnership with various organizations and individuals throughout her career, including the BBC. Martina collaborated with the BBC Audio North team to create and produce ‘Contains Strong Language,’ the UK’s biggest poetry and spoken word performance festival, featuring live broadcasts on TV and radio, including documentaries, dramas, and performances on BBC Two, BBC Four, and the BBC’s network radio stations.
Martina’s exceptional communication skills were also evident in her work on the ‘Colossal Wave’ co-commission with Marshmallow Laser Feast. This project, conceived in Canada with multiple international partners and funders, was highly complex and required Martina to navigate various perspectives and needs. Her ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely was crucial to the success of the project.
Overall, Martina Murphy is a talented professional with a proven track record of delivering successful programs, securing funding, and building strategic partnerships in the cultural sector. Her ability to communicate effectively and her dedication to promoting participation and equality make her a valuable asset in any organization.