London’s Union Chapel appoints new CEO

Union Chapel Project (UCP), the charity that operates London’s Union Chapel, has appointed Michael Chandler as CEO, effectively 18 September.

Chandler joins the 900-capacity Islington venue – which is also still a working church, as well as drop-in centre for the homeless – from Cardboard Citizens, a theatre company for homeless people. He has also worked as a journalist and broadcaster, and in 2007 founded Worldwide Arts for Youth (WAYout), a charity working with street youth in west Africa.

“I am thrilled to be joining Union Chapel at this important time for the organisation, and for society more generally,” he comments. “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.

“Union Chapel is already doing amazing work, as one of London’s most iconic venues and providing homelessness services”

“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, adds: “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.”

Upcoming shows at the Union Chapel include Justin Hayward, Múm, Al Stewart, Lamb and Robyn Hitchcock.

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