Ian Smallbone is a distinguished arts administrator with over 30 years of experience developing and delivering ambitious orchestral projects, festivals, and cultural events worldwide.

Over 25 years at IMG Artists – where he rose to Managing Director of multiple divisions, including IMG Artists Europe – Ian played a pivotal role in international orchestral touring, major arts projects, and festival production. He led the team that launched the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and its concert hall in 1998, and helped establish a thriving touring market across the Asia-Pacific region. He was also closely involved in producing a number of large-scale festivals, including the award-winning Singapore Sun Festival, the Abu Dhabi Festival, Divino Tuscany, and the Tuscan Sun Festival.

Returning to Europe in 2001, Ian expanded into cultural consultancy, collaborating with the acoustic design firm Artec on major infrastructure projects including the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong and L’Adresse Symphonique in Montreal, and advising such institutions as the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai.

In 2014, Ian co-founded Smallbone & Lucifero, an event management company delivering projects across major global cities. He also works closely with Knight Classical as a consultant and producer on various creative initiatives.