I am a Creative Consultant whose focus is on working across borders & barriers
I have worked in the arts sector for over 30 years supporting artists and arts organisations to develop and strengthen their opportunities and growth. As a creative consultant I draw upon my wide-ranging knowledge of contemporary arts practices and networks to provide specialist advice, as well as participating directly in project design, implementation, research and evaluation. I bring a wealth of experience and expertise working with international cultural agencies and I am adept at working on transnational partnerships and programmes. I am able to activate a wide network of contacts, both in institutional and grassroots organisations across Europe, Latin America and Africa.
I also work regularly for a range of UK higher education creative institutions, such as the Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, Glasgow School of Art and Royal Northern College of Music by advocating on their behalf and highlighting the contributions they make to the economy as well as the UK’s cultural prosperity and social wellbeing.
For examples of my most current projects
For examples of the work I’ve done over the years
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Key areas of expertise
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Key areas of expertise *
Programming & Curation
I work with venues and festivals to identify and introduce artists /companies for potential collaborations, workshops, performances, or residency opportunities.
Research
I produce scoping & research reports which may include mapping a particular area of the creative sector and/or making recommendations in response to the scoping findings.
Monitoring & Evaluation
I draft theory of changes and develop a range of M&E tools to best ensure the quality of the content, the delivery process and the impact of the activity. The M&E work can additionally feed into how the project tells its story and support fundraising initiatives.
Mentoring & Strategic planning
I work with individuals and arts organisations to identify areas they wish to develop and help to shape and plan their work to ensure that it has the desired impact and sustainability.
Policy analysis & Development
I use evidence-based policy analysis to help arts organisations to better plan and advocate for their sector needs.
Facilitation & workshop leader
I facilitate a range of discussions with arts professionals as well as deliver a range of workshop topics including; building transnational networks, raising your international profile, post Brexit touring logistics, festival management, international fundraising, digital sustainability & how to draft a Theory of Change.
Latest News:
December 2024 - I will be delivering a workshop on how UK venues can extend their international programming for house. House is a venue network and touring initiative based in the South East of England, delivered by Farnham Maltings and a steering group of venue leaders, programmers and producers from the region.
November 2024 - I will spending the next few months working with the European Culture Foundation team providing reflection & strategic development support on their European Pavilion programme. The programme puts the question of Europe and its future(s) at the forefront through cultural projects and artistic productions. It calls on arts and culture as a vector to investigate, explore and discuss Europe’s burning questions and to bring a range of people and communities together to critically reflect upon and imagine Europe in new ways.
October 2024 - Our Walk & Talk action research supported by the Good Ideas Fund has come to an end and Olivia Bellas & I are happy to be able to share with you our ‘Things to Consider’ hand-out. Drafted in collaboration with our Civic Creativity Insights Group, this is a high level set of prompts to help you when designing a Walk and Talk experience, specific to a workplace setting.
September 2024 - Join me and my fellow panellist on the 12th of September as we explore 'How to be more entrepreneurial about where you find funds as a Producer' at the Producer Top-Up & Producer Gathering Present: Money, Money, Money!' event. Tickets via the link.
July 2024 - Looking forward to participating in two of ERIAC’s capacity-building workshops aimed at empowering and strengthening the Roma community. This includes a Romani Language Crash Course and Healing Historical Trauma: Commemoration and Healing in the Roma Community.
Having worked with Kenneth Uphopho, one of Nigeria’s most acclaimed theatre directors and playwrights for years and I am beyond excited to have had a small hand in being able to present the award-winning production of Esther’s Revenge to London audiences. Esther’s Revenge is based on a true story which occurred in 1950s Nigeria, and delves into themes of colonisation and societal injustices. This immersive, ground-breaking theatre production showcases the best of current Nigerian theatre and will perform on the 18th July at 2pm and 7.30pm. Thanks to Impact Dance Global for opening their venue to start hosting visiting international artists and to provide a much needed central London stage for contemporary African artists. .
April 2024 - Olivia Bellas and I have successfully received some financial support through the Good Ideas Fund administered by London Engagement Collaborative. The aim for our project later this year is to convene a Civic Creativity Insights Group with a purpose to develop a Walk & Talk methodology, piloted at the Future of Participation event we co curated last last year.
March 2024 - The creative climate movement is taking action with practical and creative responses to the challenges of climate change. I am truly delighted to have been selected to be one of the participants on the CreatingNowForTheFuture programme. I look forward to collaborating with fellow creative peers and the team at Julie's Bicycle to develop new practical, relevant, and accessible resources for freelancers, producers and individuals making creative work.
February 2024 - I have started to work with three new mentees - DYCP recipient Tom Curteis who most recently worked as the Cultural & International Programme Manager for Leeds 2023 , Clore Chevening Fellow Liliane Rebelo who is the Executive Director Culture and Society Cultura Inglesa in Brazil and Senior Producer, Danielle Marshall.