Nisha Tandon

Nisha Tandon is founder and Chief Executive of ArtsEkta, a social enterprise that works to platform minoritized communities through arts and culture in Northern Ireland. She founded ArtsEkta in 2006, following two decades of experience in the arts. In 2007 Tandon spearheaded the founding of the Belfast Mela, Northern Ireland’s first multicultural, multidisciplinary arts festival. The event runs annually and attracts large audiences.

Born in India, Tandon has a degree from the National School of Drama in New Delhi and is a trained Bharatanatyam Indian classical dancer. She arrived in Omagh in 1977, on her marriage, and continues to live and work in Northern Ireland with her family.

Alongside her work with ArtsEkta, she is a member of Belfast City Council’s Festival Forum and has been a previous board member of Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Cultural Cities Enquiry. She also serves as a board member on Voluntary Arts UK and Community Relations Council.

Tandon has received several awards, including in 2014 being the first recipient from Northern Ireland of the prestigious UK Asian Women of Achievement Award for her contribution to arts, culture and heritage. In the same year she was appointed an OBE for services to the minority ethnic sector in the Queen’s honours list. She has also received the Chief Officers 3rd Sector Award for Leading Growth & Innovation (2016). In 2023 Tandon was awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen's University Belfast for her contribution to the arts in Northern Ireland.