Arcola Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Graham Cooley as a new Board member and Trustee. This marks the first step in a renewed drive to strengthen and expand the theatre’s board.
Arcola Theatre is widely recognised as a pioneer in low-carbon performance art, with sustainability at the heart of Arcola’s mission. This was reflected in the development of Arcola Energy, an initiative that led the way in promoting environmental sustainability in the arts during the early 2000s. The theatre’s work also includes initiatives such as the Youth Theatre, Queer Collective, Mental Health Collective, Arcola Ala-Turka, Arcola Academy and the 50+ Group.
Among its many achievements, Arcola Theatre was the first arts venue in the world to run shows powered by hydrogen fuel cells. It has also received international recognition for innovation in lighting design, championing low-energy LED lighting for main stage theatre productions at a time when such technologies were still struggling for acceptance in the industry. The theatre’s collaboration between Arcola Energy engineers and youth theatre practitioners resulted in the creation of the Hydrogen Challenge, supported by Dr Cooley, an educational program that has now reached over 100,000 students worldwide, providing hands-on experience with hydrogen technologies.
About Dr Graham Cooley
Graham brings over 35 years of experience at the forefront of new technology in power, energy storage and the hydrogen sector. He has a strong track record in structuring and securing corporate partnerships and has successfully raised over £600 million for technology companies through a variety of sources including venture capital, private equity, public markets, strategic corporate partnerships, and grant funding bodies.
A lifelong environmental advocate and respected voice in energy and sustainability, Dr Cooley holds a PhD in physics, an MBA and was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Fellowship Award from The Bessemer Society.
In addition to his work in energy and technology, Dr Cooley is a passionate collector and researcher of 20th-century art and design. His interest lies in rediscovering and reassessing the work of overlooked or forgotten artists and designers. He served as a 20th Century Design consultant for the Millers Guide between 2006 and 2012, was a Board member of the Kings Lynn Arts Centre Trust, and has organised numerous exhibitions and publications based on a personal collection of over 10,000 objects including glass, ceramics, metalwork, furniture and paintings.
Speaking on his appointment, Dr Cooley said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Arcola Theatre as a Trustee. I have worked on low-carbon solutions with one of the Theatre’s leaders, Ben Todd, developing fuel cell lighting systems through Arcola Energy. My youth was steeped in theatregoing, particularly in Dublin at venues like the Gaiety Theatre and the Abbey Theatre, where I experienced the works of Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw, Seán O’Casey and, most meaningfully, Tom Murphy—a lifelong friend of my father’s. This appointment represents a delightful convergence of my passions and consolidates them into a single passion play.”
Dr Ben Todd, former Executive Director and now Trustee of Arcola Theatre, and Founder of Arcola Energy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Graham to the Board of Trustees. Graham has been at the cutting edge of scaling clean energy technologies has been globally influential. He brings not only deep technical knowledge but also extensive experience in navigating international partnerships and investment landscapes. His network across energy, science, policy and finance will be invaluable as Arcola continues to innovate in both the creative and environmental arenas.”
Executive Director Leyla Nazli added: “Arcola Theatre has always been about bold thinking— both on stage and off. We’ve never been afraid to challenge norms or tackle difficult conversations, whether in the stories we tell or the way we operate behind the scenes. Graham’s track record in energy innovation, his deep commitment to environmental progress, and his genuine passion for the arts are a rare combination. He understands not just the urgency of climate action, but also the cultural power of theatre to move minds and hearts. I’m excited to see what his unique perspective brings to our work as we continue to innovate, create, and imagine a better future.”