Gary Shaw

I am an experienced cultural management professional, project manager, and consultant with more than 30 years’ experience delivering strategic arts, heritage, and cultural development initiatives across Northern Ireland. My career spans senior leadership roles within local government, consultancy assignments, and advisory work for public bodies, charitable trusts, and cultural organisations. Currently working as a self-employed management consultant, I specialise in heritage-led regeneration, funding strategies, and the development of major cultural infrastructure and programmes.

During my career, I have led on the planning, funding, and delivery of significant capital and revenue projects including historic building restorations, cultural venues, townscape heritage schemes, exhibitions, and public art initiatives. Formerly Cultural Services Manager with Antrim Borough Council, I was responsible for major capital programmes such as the award-winning restoration of Antrim Castle Gardens and the Old Courthouse Theatre. My work encompasses business case development, funding applications, strategic planning, governance, evaluations and stakeholder engagement across complex multi-partner projects.

I am also experienced in combining strong strategic leadership with practical project delivery, including construction project management, financial planning, marketing and communications, facilities management, and public engagement. I have extensive experience working with boards, local authorities, and community organisations to develop sustainable cultural initiatives, heritage interpretation, and tourism assets. My academic background includes a First Class BA (Hons) in Fine Art and a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Management.

Running in parallel with my leadership and management career, I have sustained an active arts practice, exhibiting work both locally and internationally. My creative and professional interests are closely aligned, centred on cultural identity, heritage, place-shaping, and environmental engagement. These themes underpin my involvement in a number of landmark initiatives, cross-sector collaborations, and creative projects that connect culture, communities, and place. My professional practice is supported by a range of accreditations, and my work has been recognised through multiple cross-sectoral awards.