Kenneth Tharp is a British dance artist and an influential figure in contemporary African and diaspora dance, culture and heritage. His 25-year performing career included working with London Contemporary Dance Theatre and Arc Dance Company. He was the chief executive of The Place for almost a decade and director of the Africa Centre, London. He has served on various arts Boards including The Royal Opera House and The Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund, and with composer Simon Redfern he co-founded Artyfartyarts, a multi-disciplinary arts group. He is a Patron of Akademi and The Place, and a Trustee of choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company, and the Chineke! Foundation and Orchestra, and currently working as a freelance arts & culture consultant.