Nisha Tandon is the founder and director of ArtsEkta – one of the only organisations on the island of Ireland that promotes intercultural arts, culture and heritage and a vibrant social enterprise. She founded this organisation in 2006 following two decades of experience in the arts and after discovering a critical gap for quality ethnic minority arts engagement in the sector. She holds a degree from the National School of Drama in New Delhi. She has also been a previous board member of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Cultural Cities Enquiry and currently serving Board member on Community Relations Council.

In 2007 Nisha initiated Northern Ireland’s first multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary arts festival Belfast Mela now attracting annual audiences of up to 60,000 people for the full week Festival. At the early stages of her career, she worked across different roles in the private sector and as a freelance artist.

In June 2014, Nisha was the first Asian woman from Northern Ireland to be awarded the prestigious UK Asian Women of Achievement Award for contribution to arts culture and heritage, and later that month was awarded an OBE for services to the minority ethnic sector in the 2014 Queen’s Honours List. In 2015, Nisha won the British Indian Award for Indian Spirit in the Community; presented by Trade Next and BDO. Nisha has also been awarded the Chief Officers Third Sector award for Leading Growth & Innovation in 2016.In 2023, Nisha received an Honorary doctorate from Queens University for service to the communities. She also won an outstanding achievement award of MRANI in 2023.