Adem Holness is a cultural leader, creative director and curator specialising in the conception and delivery of large-scale cultural programmes, festivals and live experiences that foster international exchange, connect creative communities and bring together artists, audiences and ideas from around the world.

As Head of Music at SXSW London, he leads the music strategy, programming and partnerships for the festival’s European edition. Across its first two years, he has helped establish SXSW London as a major international platform for contemporary music, bringing together artists including TEMS, Erykah Badu, Mabel, Tiwa Savage, Earl Sweatshirt and ODUMODUBLVCK, alongside a global network of co-curated showcases spotlighting emerging scenes and future-facing culture.

Previously, Adem was Head of Contemporary Music at Southbank Centre, where he commissioned, curated and delivered over 150 performances annually, including the internationally renowned Meltdown Festival. His programmes featured artists including Stormzy, Brian Eno, Chaka Khan, Max Richter and Honey Dijon.

Prior to this, he created and led 696 at Horniman Museum and Gardens, an award-winning festival celebrating Black British music, and worked at Arts Council England, where he led the Supporting Grassroots Live Music Fund for London, helping sustain 135 venues during the pandemic.

Adem is a Clore Leadership Fellow, a member of the inaugural cohort of PRS Foundation’s Power Up programme, serves on the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board and is a trustee of The LIVE Trust.