Claire Mera-Nelson

Dr. Claire Mera-Nelson is the Director of Music for Arts Council England.

Claire joined Arts Council England in March 2018 where she is responsible for the development of national strategy and policy for music in England. To date that includes the launch of a new £1.5 million fund for the grassroots live music sector and a major research study into diversity in classical music. Originally a Baroque violinist who performed with the UK’s leading period instrument ensembles, prior to joining Arts Council she oversaw the musical education of 1,000 students from pre-college to doctoral level as Director of Music at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Known internationally as a passionate advocate for innovation and inclusion in music, Claire’s current focus is supporting the sector as it survives the current crisis and emerges into a post-Covid-19 world.