Tonya Nelson

Tonya Nelson is Executive Director, Enterprise & Innovation at Arts Council England. She was formerly London Area Director where she oversaw a portfolio of over 250 London-based arts organisations. She joined the Arts Council when she was appointed to be the first Director of Arts Technology and Innovation in 2019. Tonya was seconded to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2017 where she co-authored the policy report Culture is Digital. She sits on the board of Trustees of the National Gallery and Royal Collection Trust, which looks after the Royal Collection and manages the public opening of the official residences of His Majesty The King. She also advises on cultural projects around the world as a Senior Associate at AEA Consulting. She was formerly Chair of the International Council of Museums (UK), Bomb Factory Art Foundation and a member of Christie’s Art World Professional Advisory Group. She worked for University College London for nine years, rising to the level of Director of Museums and Cultural Programmes. Prior to entering the cultural sector, she was a barrister and management consultant in Washington, DC, where she grew up.