Ali FitzGibbon has combined research in arts management with independent producing, programming and consultancy in the cultural sector since 2015. She has nearly 30 years of experience in the international arts and cultural sector and a substantial portfolio of experience working as a programmer and producer at community, national and international level in theatre, festivals, outdoor and youth arts. In addition, she regularly undertakes advisory work on strategic management and leadership in the voluntary, social enterprise and community sectors. 

She is on the editorial board of the Irish Journal of Arts Management and Cultural Policy and has worked in an advisory capacity for a range of local authorities and public bodies in arts and cultural planning and policy. 

Ali's research has been focused on the field of management and leadership in the cultural and creative industries in the UK, examining the influence of public policy and public management on cultural sector behaviour, particularly in relation to cultural labour and the role of artists.  She is currently developing three strands of research.

The first is the exploration of engaged and inter/transdisciplinary research and what it means in the study of arts and creative industries management. The second is looking at connections between non-profit management research and theory and arts and creative industries management, in particular considering the ethics of the cultural and creative industries. Her final interest is a continuation of her research since 2015 on artists as stakeholders in industry and policy decision-making. This examines the role, status, value and influence of artists and artistic practice within the arts and creative industries. Attention is directed towards diverse artists and also the implicit presence/absence of artists in public policy.