Tom HallUnion Chapel Project (UCP), the charitable organisation responsible for the conservation and development of Union Chapel, have announced the appointment of Michael Chandler as CEO, starting on September 18th.
Chandler brings to the team extensive management and leadership experience in the charity and arts sectors, having been instrumental in promoting and developing Cardboard Citizens, the homeless people’s professional theatre company.
Chandler comes from a background of journalism, broadcasting, social policy and social entrepreneurship. In 2007, he co-founded WAYout (Worldwide Arts for Youth) an international arts/media charity working to improve lives for street and ex-conflict youth in West Africa.
He also has a record of success in managing change and driving transformation. He has had direct experience in overseeing significant fundraising and capital projects for various organisations across London.
Commenting on his appointment, Michael Chandler said: “I am thrilled to be joining Union Chapel at this important time for the organisation, and for society more generally. It’s a time when many in the culture sector are asking ‘what more can we do’. Union Chapel is already doing amazing work – as one of London’s most iconic venues, and providing homelessness services that change the lives of the most vulnerable in our city.’
“With the development of a new space in the Sunday School Hall and a growing awareness of the activist leaders that founded Union Chapel it is an exciting time to join the team. I am looking forward to helping build on this great work, reputation and potential as a venue for the whole community, for great art and culture, and for positive social change.”
Philip Walker, Chairman of UCP, said: “We are delighted that Michael is joining us to help fulfil our vision of Union Chapel as an Inspiring Space – Inspiring Lives. Music, the arts and social purpose has been at the core of Michael’s career which we think fits in well with the ethos and aspirations of UCP, the church and Margins, our homelessness project.”