Ceri Hand originally trained as an artist and has extensive experience of working in the arts and culture sector, with previous key positions including: Director of Programmes, Somerset House, London; Associate Director: Institutions and Public Relations, Simon Lee Gallery, London; Associate Consultant, Contemporary Art Society, London; Director, Ceri Hand Gallery, London/Liverpool; Director of Metal, Liverpool; Director of Exhibitions, FACT, Liverpool; Deputy Director of Grizedale Arts, Cumbria and Director of Make, London.

She has worked closely with emerging and established artists throughout her career, commissioning, producing, programming, exhibiting and selling new interdisciplinary, inter-generational work, including large scale live events, performances, public realm works, touring exhibitions and public engagement, participation and education programmes.

She has curated over 250 exhibitions and events and was a contributing curator to Liverpool Biennial in 2004 and 2006 and Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year in 2008.

She is currently on the board of Castlefield Gallery, Manchester is an Independent Member of the Cymru yn Fenis Wales in Venice Advisory Committee 2020-2024.                                                    

Ceri has provided executive coaching support to a diverse range of leaders in the public and private sectors, enabling them to make significant positive changes in their work and lives.

She has also provided mentoring services for hundreds of international artists, groups and organisations including Artquest/Bloomberg New Contemporaries; Manchester Metropolitan University, the Photographers Gallery, London and the New Art Gallery, Walsall.

Ceri has delivered keynotes, lectures and tutored at institutions including Royal College of Art; Goldmiths College, London; Wimbledon College of Arts, London; Central Saint Martins, London; UCLAN, Preston and Sotheby’s Institute, London.

She has served on the boards of a number of organisations, including Castlefield Gallery, Manchester; Matts Gallery, London; Broken Grey Wires, Manchester; Made in Arts London, UAL; Malgras Naudet, Manchester; Eastside Projects, Birmingham; Open Eye Gallery and Tate Members Committee, Liverpool.

She has judged a number of awards and open exhibitions including: Soundlands, Wales; British Women Artists, London; Saatchi New Sensations, London; Exeter Contemporary Open; Shoosmith Arts Prize, Milton Keynes; Creekside Open, London; Catlin Art Prize, London; Tamman Art Prize, Kinsale Arts Festival, Charlie Smith Open, London; WW Solo Award, London.    

This extensive experience across the public and private sectors provide a unique perspective and network in relation to leadership, innovation, production, income generation and audience engagement.