Lisa Ball-Lechgar
Head of Programmes, M_39
For 25 years, Lisa Ball-Lechgar has worked in Morocco, Lebanon, Bahrain and UAE. The University of Glasgow MA graduate and Fellow sits on the University of Sharjah’s College of Fine Art & Design Advisory Panel and previously the National Pavilion UAE Venice Biennale Art Selection Committee, and the UAE Ministry of Culture National Grants Scheme.
Before leaving the UK, Lisa was Head of Information & Research at Arts & Business UK and General Secretary of Comité Européen pour le Rapprochement de l'Economie et de la Culture, where she advised businesses and governments on private sector partnerships with culture. Having been an Editor and Cultural Consultant in Beirut, Lisa moved to the UAE in 2005, as the first F/T Editor of Canvas. From 2009, she worked on strategy, programming, publishing and partnerships at ADMAF and Abu Dhabi Festival; launching the first arts management programme for Emiratis, a nationwide grants scheme, and The Christo & Jeanne-Claude Award. Between 2017-2024, as Deputy Director of Tashkeel, she built its visual art & design programmes including residencies, awards and its presence at Art Dubai and Dubai Design Week. Today she is Head of Programmes for M_39, an exciting new centre for creative and cultural entrepreneurs in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi.
The editor and co-author of several contemporary art books, she has developed over 50 exhibitions of UAE art and delivered cultural management training in Europe, Asia, USA, MENA and Africa. Lisa has moderated talks for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Dubai Culture, Abu Dhabi Festival, Art Dubai and the World Bank. She spoke at the 76th United Nations General Assembly and the 2021 World Conference of the Creative Economy.
Q&A
Q: Did you go to university, and if so what did you study?
I went to drama school and then university where I obtained a MA(Hons) in Theatre & English. I made sure to attend all lectures, tutorials and submit assignments on time but it was the extra-curricular opportunities that really helped me develop my management skills and help strengthen my employability.
Q: What was your first ever job?
My first job was General Manager of the first International Festival of University Theatre in Scotland, which I founded with the support of Sean Connery. I knew I was not going to get a job immediately, so it was better to create a job opportunity myself! I raised the funds and support through sheer determination and never taking no for an answer!
Q: Most inspiring moment in your career, or person you have worked with?
I have been lucky to work with many people who are inspirational in different ways; those who have fought against prejudice and poverty; those who have asked ‘What if?’ and, undeterred, explored the possibilities; and those who possessed the singular determination, focus, self-discipline and patience to strengthen their gifts and realise their ambitions. I always go back to my first drama teacher who said to me when I was 13, “Whatever you do, never let cynicism stand in your way.”
Q: Why is the creative field in the UAE exciting at the moment?
As countries grow, populations settle and economies diversify, the creative sector embeds and flourishes, transcending culture and commerce as well as public, private and social spheres. At the moment we are seeing a deepening of creative disciplines and a rising appreciation and understanding of the role creativity plays across all our lives.
Q: Any tips for submitting an application or succeeding in an interview?
Do your research! Let them know you understand them in your cover letter. Tailor your CV to resonate both in tone and content what they are looking for.
Q: Most surprising success story that has come out of the UAE?
There are so many! I’m in awe of Ashay Bhave who developed Thaely, an eco-friendly sneaker brand while still at school in the UAE. I’m also impressed with Nora Zeid, an incredibly talented and focused illustrator and visual artist who is picking up commissions from Google to Adidas. Then there is Asateer – born in a Ras Al Khaimah family oyster farm, Mohamed Al Suwaidi is evolving Emirati product design by pursuing the contemporary while paying homage to the past.
Q: What other place in the world should the UAE be looking to for inspiration?
The UAE is in a great position to learn from the lessons of others and adapt successful strategies that are relevant to them: Countries such as Morocco with its strong craft roots, South Africa with its ambitious and creative youth, the Netherlands with its appetite for experimentation and engagement, and Singapore with its multicultural ambition and innovative spirit.
Q: Most important next step for the UAE creative industry as a whole?
The next step for the creative industry is recognition by its neighbours in the economy and in society of its value to driving innovation, strengthening the competitive edge and building a workforce that can adapt, manoeuvre and embrace the future.
