Few names carry as much weight in London’s cultural programming as Tamsin Ace. From the Southbank Centre to East Bank, her career has been a masterclass in community-driven leadership, bold programming, and unwavering dedication to inclusivity. Now, she steps into her latest role as Chair of Shoreditch Town Hall, bringing her passion for East London’s creative soul with her. We caught up with Tamsin Ace to talk about her vision, inspirations, and what she hopes to build in Shoreditch.
What drew you to take on the role of Chair at Shoreditch Town Hall, and what excites you most about this next chapter?
I’ve been thinking about becoming a trustee for a while but wanted to wait for the right fit. I loved working with Julie (current CEO) when we worked together at Southbank Centre and I was excited to team up with her again. I have also spent the last 5 years working in east London and felt that I had something to offer the next phase of STH.
Shoreditch Town Hall is a unique mix of historic charm and cultural grit—how do you see its role evolving in London’s creative ecosystem?
There is something magical about buildings that have had a number of different roles within a neighbourhood. Rooted in community and activism STH is a vital part of the ever changing identity of east London and I can’t wait to support the amazing team to continue to support artists on their creative journeys whilst simultaneously hosting high profile events and activations.
You’ve worked across institutions like the Southbank Centre, Museum of the Home, and now East Bank—how have those experiences shaped your vision for Shoreditch Town Hall?
My work at Southbank, Museum of the Home and my ongoing work as Director of East Bank all comes down to using buildings and programming to bring people together and cultivate community in what can feel like an increasingly individual world. Part of the reason I am so pleased to join the Shoreditch Town Hall team is because of its community, and I can’t wait to get involved in those three elements: a fantastic space, exciting programming and a real sense of community.
Community engagement has always been central to your work. How do you plan to strengthen Shoreditch Town Hall’s relationship with local communities in Hackney and beyond?
STH have always had strong relationships with their community and are rooted in the values of Hackney and east London. Participation has always been part of my process whether through programming, commissioning or stakeholder management so I hope to share my networks and experiences on inclusive programming with the team.
You’ve championed accessibility and diversity in public programming throughout your career. How will these values influence your leadership here?
Leading with kindness, authenticity and openness has always been my working style, but also trusting the experts in the room to lead. My approach as chair won’t be any different, and I can’t wait to support but also learn from the team and my fellow board members.
East Bank has become a major cultural hub in East London. What connections or collaborations do you envision between East Bank and Shoreditch Town Hall?
East Bank and Shoreditch Town Hall value all the same things, so it would be great to bring them together to talk about culture in east London and what the future looks like for our city.
With your background in fashion, performance, and public art, how do you think Shoreditch Town Hall can push creative boundaries even further?
There’s a real opportunity to define what STH does and the beauty of the venue is that it has such an eclectic and important history. I’m excited to see how we can lead into that energy and own its identity as a space where really anything can happen!
As Chair, what’s your long-term ambition for Shoreditch Town Hall—what would success look like to you in five years’ time?
To continue to be a place for creative expression, congregation and community.