Sharon Gilburd and Yvonne Connikie, co-Chairs of National Theatre Wales. Image edited together with a pink frame. They are photographed in the same place, with shelves full of books behind them. Gilburd is a white woman with blonde hair wearing a black dress, while Connikie is a Black woman with white/grey hair wearing a blue, black + white patterned dress.

(L to R) Sharon Gilburd, Yvonne Connikie.

Changing Faces

National Theatre Wales welcomes Co-Chairs

Arts Professional
2 min read

YVONNE CONNIKIE and SHARON GILBURD are set to co-chair National Theatre Wales (NTW).

Connikie is a programmer and curator, specialising in Black independent film. She is the founder of Black Film Festival Wales and a founding member and chair of the New Black Film Collective.

She is also a lead programmer for the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival in Newport and works as a curator and project manager for Charlie Phillips Photography. 

“Doing this role with Sharon is an honour – we haven’t worked together before but we’ve been discussing how the role will work and what different skill sets we’ll bring to the table,” Connikie commented. 

Gilburd is a digital strategist, working with startup businesses to improve operational methods by leveraging digital design and technology. She is also Chair of the Centre for Digital Public Services in Wales, a Welsh government public body.

“The talent and commitment on the existing board and across the NTW team is incredible,” Gilburd said.

“Having spent six months or so as a trustee, I’m now looking forward to playing my role in helping them to deliver on their goals for NTW and Wales over the next few years.”

Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive BRONWEN PRICE said that the co-chair arrangement will “support pace within our governance, whilst also drawing a wider range of perspectives into debate and decision-making at leadership level”.

Artistic Director LORNE CAMPBELL added that the organisation will “benefit from double the time and perspectives we have on offer”. 

“We can’t wait to see their combined influence in shaping the company in the years to come.”