My Gurus: 'Only take what is needed'

A photo of Victoria Pratt
27 Jun 2019

A nature writer, a conservation group and the Sámi people of Northern Finland have all been among the key influences on the work of Victoria Pratt, Creative Director of the interactive art studio Invisible Flock.

Exit interview: Chris Jaeger

Photo of Chris Jaeger
20 Jun 2019

Alongside the creative highs, Chris Jaeger's 24 years at Worcester Live involved plenty of putting out fires - sometimes literally. He shares his doubts about tribute bands, calls for trustees to hand over more money, and laments that Arts Council England will only fund work no one wants to see.

Creative Scotland admitted ‘unfundable’ organisations into portfolio

A photograph of colourful houses on a street in Edinburgh
19 Jun 2019

Last-minute interventions by senior figures “ultimately served to undermine the integrity of the RFO process”, staff told an independent review.

Flourishing cultural eco-systems

A photo of a member of Merseyside Police force working in a local chip shop
12 Jun 2019

Jonathan Gross and Nick Wilson reflect on their recent research into cultural ecology and suggest what the future of progressive place-based policy and practice could look like.

Redefining the City of London through culture

The House of Wayward Plants: The Smithfield Greenhouse, as part of Culture Mile’s Play the Mile
12 Jun 2019

The global finance hub is forging a new identity through risk-taking alliances between its commercial, public and cultural sectors, writes Tim Jones.

Silence speaks volumes

A photo of Matt Hancock
12 Jun 2019

The economic value of our creative industries is clear. But it's not so clear that they're a priority for candidates wanting to become the UK's next Prime Minister, says Claudia Burger.

Support service challenges censorship in the arts

Street art showing a man with a cross in place of a mouth
31 May 2019

The Index on Censorship says that fear of a hostile reception may stop controversial work being commissioned.

Leading at all levels

Photo of a speaker at Future Proof Museums Residential 2017
30 May 2019

How can we best develop leaders for the future? Cath Hume suggests we start by creating more leadership opportunities throughout the organisation.

Don't run at it

Photo of The Multiverse Arcade in the Mining Institute Newcastle
23 May 2019

What is it like to join Arts Council England's National Portfolio? Annie Rigby shares her stories of joy, relief and fatigue following her organisation's first year as an NPO.

Taking inspiration from sport

Photo of Alex Morgan, captain of the United States women's soccer team, by Jamie Smed
09 May 2019

Why are many women in the arts not progressing into leadership roles? Alex Marshall asks if there are lessons to be learned from the world of sport.

My Gurus: Jon Haynes and David Woods

Jon Haynes and David Woods
02 May 2019

A deadpan Indian humourist, a Finnish psychologist and a mischievous artist: theatre makers Jon Haynes and David Woods look back on their career gurus.

A seat at the table

Photo of Imrana speaking at the Power of Community symposium
24 Apr 2019

Challenging the notion of a ‘hard-to-reach community’ in Luton, Imrana Mahmood explores the need to create pathways that lead to meaningful inclusion.

How to rewire your thinking

Photo of neon sign that says Slung Low at The Holbeck
23 Apr 2019

Lucy Jamieson explains how pooling resources, creativity and ideas rather than working in silos can bring about effective change.

Reflections on resilience

Photo of a doodle style drawing on a table of protestors chanting "creativity belongs to everyone".
23 Apr 2019

As the Boosting Resilience programme draws to a close, Evelyn Wilson outlines how the work, ideas and opportunities developed will be shared with the sector.

Lessons in leadership from an interim Chief Executive

Photo of Foundation for Art and Creative Technology Liverpool
23 Apr 2019

What is it like to lead a large and complex organisation? Having just spent some time as an interim chief executive, Matthew Brown reveals what he’s learnt. 

NPO downsizes as cuts start to bite

Photo of Sarah Punshon
12 Apr 2019

The loss of local authority funding will lead to a reduction in the number of plays produced by The Dukes theatre each year, and a merging of two senior roles.

My Gurus – Ed Collier

Photo of Ed Collier
04 Apr 2019

Ed Collier, Co-Director of independent theatre company China Plate, shines a spotlight on the artists and professionals who have shaped his career.

Race to the bottom

People standing next to a street billboard at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
18 Mar 2019

As low- or no-pay practices continue to dominate the arts and cultural sector, some enlightened employers are starting to reap the benefits of offering a fairer deal to all staff. Jonathan Knott reflects on the findings of the ArtsPay 2018 survey – and the efforts of those challenging the status quo.

Leading with an audience focus

Photo of Children enjoying a performance of classical Indian dance at Westminster Abbey
07 Mar 2019

Over 25 years the role of cultural marketers has expanded, but the focus remains on audience relationships. Cath Hume examines the changes and challenges.

Increasing number of NPOs classified as ‘major risk’

Liverpool Everyman facade
22 Feb 2019

Just months after Liverpool Everyman was forced to drop out of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, more core funded organisations are reported as facing major risks.

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