Jim Beirne Mbe Frsa Dr Litt.

Jim Beirne MBE FRSA Dr Litt.(hons) serves as the Founding Chair of Urban Green Newcastle since January 2019, overseeing the management and development of Newcastle's parks and allotments. Beirne has been actively involved with the International Society for the Performing Arts as Chair of the Nominations Committee and Board Member since January 2016. Additionally, Beirne is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of Vistage UK's CEO Development Program. Formerly, Beirne was the Chief Executive of Live Theatre from 2000 to January 2019, and served as Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Cultural Venues from April 2011 to June 2015. Beirne's earlier career includes significant roles at Yorkshire Arts and The Bluecoat. Educational qualifications include a Diploma in Early Music and Composition from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and a BA Honours in Music from Falmouth University.