Emma Beverley is the new Director of HIAP

Emma Beverley. Photo by Lizzie Coombes, 2024.

The HIAP board has appointed Emma Beverley as the new Director of HIAP – Helsinki International Artist Programme. Her five-year term will commence on 1 August 2024.

Emma Beverley previously served as the Director of Programmes for LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture, overseeing a year-long program featuring over 1,400 projects across the city. Prior to that, she was the Co-director of East Street Arts in Leeds. Emma Beverley is a curator and producer dedicated to fostering a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable artistic landscape. Her work, characterised by a strong focus on global solidarity and interdisciplinary encounters, has involved collaboration with partners and artists in over 75 countries and territories.

Emma Beverley’s experience on sustainability and climate justice includes serving as a Climate Commissioner for the city of Leeds and partnering on interdisciplinary climate projects. She has served as a lead on Sustainable Action Plans and is currently conducting international learning residencies on climate action funded by Arts Council England.

“Emma Beverley has successfully led cultural organisations through significant growth and has worked with themes central to HIAP’s values. She brings with her extensive leadership and fundraising experience, a wide international network, and a passion for driving HIAP’s next phase forward. The board is excited to work with her and to continue the acclaimed work done by our previous director, Juha Huuskonen”, says Petri Ruikka, the chairperson of the HIAP board.

“I’ve been an admirer of HIAP’s work for a long time, and feel extremely fortunate to be in a position where I can contribute to the organisation’s future in this way. HIAP’s leadership in protecting and supporting the development of artistic practice internationally feels more vital now than ever, and I can’t wait to work with the team and the board to build on its incredible legacy”, Emma Beverley says.

During the application period in Spring 2024, HIAP received in total 45 applications for the position.