Steve Hignell Email & Phone Number

Steve is a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience driving impact across the creative economy, cultural relations, and global development. I'm a team leader at the convergence of the creative economy, social impact, global development and inclusive growth. I direct large and complex projects for multiple partners and diverse stakeholders across varied sectors, and in challenging contexts.I have led major strategic projects across the creative industries in the UK for key players such as Arts Council England, British Council, BFI, Creative Scotland, Mayor of London, SOLT/UK Theatre and V&A. I have also led projects in diverse, developing, unstable and conflict-affected countries such as Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Jamaica and Colombia.My work in these areas emphasise inclusivity, participatory research and human centred design, along with diversity, equity and inclusion perspectives, including gender and how women, youth, and marginalised groups engage in and benefit from cultural and creative sectors.With deep expertise in policy design, monitoring & evaluation (M&E), and emergency response, I specialise in shaping inclusive, participatory solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time—from heritage preservation in conflict zones to women’s economic empowerment in fragile contexts. * Global Expertise: Led high-profile initiatives across 15+ countries, from Kenya to Vietnam, focusing on local values, inclusivity, and co-design in everything I do. * Strategy and Industry Competitiveness: Led cutting-edge industry strategies for the world's major film/TV, music, theatre and publishing sectors. * M&E Leadership: Managed large-scale evaluations for programs like the British Council’s Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth (CH4IG), aligning international standards with local realities. * Sector Breadth: A proven track record in creative economy policy, film & TV, music, theatre and performing arts, festivals, heritage and culture at-risk. * Social Impact: As a 2024-2025 Clore Social Leadership Fellow, I am dedicated to advancing innovation and equity through the creative and cultural sectors.I’m passionate about leveraging culture to drive sustainable development and inclusive societies, and I’m constantly seeking new ways to integrate creative economy strategy with social impact.Let’s connect if you’re interested in collaborating to create change at the nexus of culture, creativity, sustainability, and development.

Listed skills include Economics, Strategy, Policy, Evaluation, and 27 others.