The talk of the town

Photo of two actors discussing an audience member's question via laptop
07 Feb 2019

When Ron Evans started thinking about how to make post-show talks more appealing and accessible, he found audiences hungry for new ways of engaging with the arts.

Whose play is it anyway?

Photo of a woman holding an ice cream staring towards the ceiling
07 Feb 2019

Theatrical productions typically give priority either to the playwright’s text or the director's interpretation. Eve Leigh challenges theatre to move on from these hierarchical models and open up new space for more trusting and collaborative work.

How did we get here?

Two girls sitting at a desk drawing
31 Jan 2019

The over-hyping of projects, initiatives and schemes really grates at a time when creative education in schools is being systematically sidelined. We need to realise what we are losing before it's too late, says Pauline Tambling.

Action stations

Photo of multicoloured paper lanterns
31 Jan 2019

Action learning, part of the Boosting Resilience programme, is highly valued by participants and facilitators. But what is it exactly, and what benefits does it offer?

Taking art out of the box

Photo of The Japan Pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia
31 Jan 2019

Biennials have emerged as a key influence in contemporary exhibition-making. Shwetal Patel and Sunil Manghani explain how a more informal approach to art opens up new experiences and audiences.

The myth of meritocracy

Photo of a girl learning on a craft apprenticeship
24 Jan 2019

The cultural sector has become a self-endorsing closed shop and it’s high time for a shake-up. Simon Dancey throws down the gauntlet and commits to leading the charge.

Take action and let us in

Photo of Nicola Miles-Wildin rehearsing
24 Jan 2019

Limited opportunities are preventing the authentic voices of disabled directors and writers from being heard. The sector needs to stop talking and take action, says Nicola Miles-Wildin.

An equal voice for all

Photo of a bearded actor, clad only in stained briefs, arms outstretched
24 Jan 2019

At a time when the UK is looking to tighten its borders, Julia Grime looks at how German theatre has been welcoming the cultural initiatives and political messages of its growing refugee population.

Turning engagement patterns upside down

Photo of a man and woman in ballet dress addressing a family on the street
17 Jan 2019

How can arts and culture reach a broader audience that more accurately reflects local communities? Sarah Boiling explores how to change the pattern of who engages with the arts.

Why should noise end a musical career?

Man performing in orchestra's brass section
17 Jan 2019

Noise-induced hearing loss can be career-ending for professional musicians, as demonstrated in a recent case at the Royal Opera House, writes Tim Turney.

Removing structural inequalities

Photo of a poster titled Common Cause outlining their research
17 Jan 2019

Barriers to collaboration between universities and black and minority ethnic community organisations could be removed says Katherine Dunleavy, whose research points to a positive way forward.

Open to opportunities

The matrix code; green lettering falling down a dark background
10 Jan 2019

Sharing information openly supports innovation and helps build resilience for the good of the whole sector, argues Cimeon Ellerton.

Making the most of market forces

Photo of a standing ovation in a large theatre
10 Jan 2019

James McClure sets out five ways in which smart ticketing strategies can increase customer satisfaction as well as revenues.

How to... develop a CRM strategy

Photo of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
03 Jan 2019

How can arts organisations develop the best possible strategy for their customer relationship management and ticketing systems? Helen Dunnett suggests some steps to make the task easier.

Unbottling the genie

Photo of a toddler with bull statue
13 Dec 2018

What is the importance of creativity for young children? Ruth Churchill Dower explores the wide-ranging and ultimately limitless benefits of arts activity.

The improvisation experts

Photo of woman and children drumming
13 Dec 2018

Why do some in the sector feel that babies and toddlers have little to offer as audiences or participants? On the contrary, says Charlotte Arculus, working with this group is never boring.

The devil's in the distance

Photo of an actress portraying a child, crying out
13 Dec 2018

The opportunities for very young children to experience the arts in rural Devon are few, as well as inconvenient and expensive. How can less culturally engaged families enjoy live performances, asks Amy Bere.

The councils backing culture

Photo of Momentous at Light Night Leeds 2013
06 Dec 2018

Local authority cuts to the arts may be widely reported, but some councils are investing serious money in cultural development, says Andrew Dixon.

Can less be more?

Photo of a man sitting in an empty stadium
06 Dec 2018

Making a product or service scarce or exclusive has become an effective way to attract customers in other sectors. Tim Baker explores how it might work in the arts.

Essential viewing

Woman using ticketing system on screen
06 Dec 2018

Venues need a better understanding of customer spending habits for purchases like pre-show meals and interval drinks. James McClure explains how a ticketing solution is providing a comprehensive view.

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