The Cultural Spring Charity

Ellie Turner has worked in the North East arts and culture sector for 18 years in positions both within arts and culture organisations and then as a funding specialist managing partnership programmes, developing philanthropy and funds to benefit the North East voluntary sector. She is a specialist in charity governance, leadership and in developing national partnerships.

In her day job she is Joint Chief Executive and Executive Director of Open Clasp Theatre Company which places theatre at the heart of transforming the lives of women and girls. Ellie is also a director of Birkheads Wild CIC, which supports more young people to discover, explore and enjoy being outdoors.

Ellie is passionate about the role of the arts to change people’s lives and build power for people and their communities.

Ian was appointed as Finance and Administration Director of Sunderland Culture in November 2021. In his role he oversees all financial and administration aspects of the Charity.

He is also a Director of Sunderland Culture Trading Ltd, the trading company of the Charity which manages the Fire Station music and arts venue.

Ian previously worked as finance manager for the Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture Trust and played a key role in the regeneration of the cultural quarter within Sunderland.

He also held the position of finance manager for the Leighton Group.

A keen cyclist and music fan, Ian also enjoys visiting the cinema and watching Sunderland AFC.

Ian joined the Cultural Spring charity board in 2020, he had previously supported the Cultural Spring project in earlier years with finance and fundraising support.

Graeme is the former Pro Vice Chancellor for External Relations at the University of Sunderland where he was responsible for alumni and development, media, marketing and cultural assets such as the National Glass Centre.

Graeme has been chair of The Cultural Spring steering group since its formation in 2013 and was founding chair of Sunderland Culture in 2016. He’s a UK Council member with the Creative UK and is on the North Area Council for Arts Council England. He’s a trustee of The Customs House in South Shields and chair of the education committee of the Royal Television Society.

Before arriving at the university in 2009, Graeme was an executive with ITV. He was awarded an MBE in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Mark is an award-winning communications professional with over 15 years of experience in creative marketing, journalism and brand strategy. He is Head of Communication and Engagement at the economic regeneration charity Back on the Map, who are working to make Hendon in Sunderland a place of opportunity to live, work and thrive.

Prior to joining Back on the Map Mark ran a creative marketing agency for over 10 years which specialised in working with a range of high profile clients in the charity, education and arts & culture sectors who were driven to make a difference in the world. 

Mark joined the board of Cultural Spring in 2022, feeling that the organisation married with his own values and that he could make a meaningful and impactful contribution to the charity to help it continue its considerable successes in Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Mark is passionate about all people in the North East having the opportunity to participate in art and culture. 

Outside of his professional life, Mark is a musician who performs regularly and releases music under the moniker Factory Fortnight, a project inspired by Tyne and Wear’s history and industrial heritage.

Fiona Martin has worked in Creative Engagement since 2006, with a professional background focused on engaging children, young people and communities in the arts. She began her career with Gateshead Arts Team and Northern Film and Media (now NE Screen), and is currently Deputy Director at The Customs House in South Shields, where she leads Creative Engagement work. Fiona specialises in inclusive, participatory practice, supporting those who may not traditionally access the arts due to socioeconomic barriers or challenging circumstances. She has directed and facilitated theatre with young people since 2009 and brings experience in creative production, talent development and community-led work.

Fiona joined The Cultural Spring Board in January 2022, inspired by its values-driven work across South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Denise trained as a teacher before working for Springboard Sunderland Trust in 1978 becoming Trust Secretary (CEO) in 2002 until her retirement in 2017.

She is Executive Officer of the Sunderland City Provider Network supporting employment and skills development in the City. Denise is a School Governor and a Trustee for Springboard and recently joined the Cultural Spring Charity as a Trustee. She believes it is vital to have a vibrant arts programme accessible to all and to encourage its take up. Denise is a member of Soroptimist International Sunderland and enjoys travelling, painting, art, and history.

Glenn is a qualified solicitor and works in-house as a Senior Legal Counsel. He specialises in commercial law, including intellectual property and data protection. He is also an accredited mediator.

As a trustee, Glenn supports the charity on legal, regulatory and governance matters.

Outside of work, Glenn is a musician, and a supporter of all things arts and culture in the region. He is also a Newcastle United season ticket holder.

Glenn joined the Cultural Spring in April 2024.