Nelson Fernandez - Associate Director

Nelson was Director, Cultural Operations of Visiting Arts for 10 years until September 2008 where he was responsible for delivery of all cultural activity for the organisation as part of a senior management team. This involved strategic development and monitoring of all programmes involving overseas artists and arts professionals in the UK and overseas, developed in partnership with UK and overseas partners including government bodies, NGOs and independent charities. High level advocacy and communication with stakeholders and partners in UK (Arts Councils, British Council, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, DCMS, foreign Embassies and High Commissions) and foreign government departments (CulturesFrance, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of Culture of People’s Republic of China, Iran’s Dramatic Art Centre, etc).

He has significant experience in the development of complex, multi-lateral partnerships at international level and substantial experience in fundraising from the corporate, charitable and government sectors. He is experienced in the development and management of complex budgets and the setting of financial targets. He is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, fluent in Italian and French and presently studying Mandarin.

Nelson’s consultancy projects have included assignments for the British Council, NESTA, Adzido Dance and as a producer of numerous festivals and events. Following his early career as a successful dance artist he trained as a producer with the Royal National Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse.