Peter Welch, Managing Director of arts sponsorship agency Showcase, names those who inspire him.
Sue Buckmaster
One of the pleasures of my working day is meeting a wonderful spectrum of creative and passionate arts professionals. I’m always struck by the extraordinary value that the arts manage to squeeze out of each pound spent. One organisation for which this is particularly true is children’s theatre company Theatre-Rites, led by Artistic Director Sue Buckmaster. They have been described as the Cinderella of the theatre world, as their considerable contribution to the arts is often over looked. Sue’s insightful, inventive and shrewd handling of this organisation has allowed them to produce an impressive catalogue of theatre works for children; work that really connects with the audience and stretches the imaginations of children, and the future generations of performers, directors and theatre-goers.
Farooq Chaudhry
A common issue with many arts organisations is that they don’t take communications seriously. Most understand publicity and the need to drive audience attendance to specific events but not the importance of Public Relations: continuous profile building, dialogue with a wide range of audiences and the building of an international brand. A close friend, Farooq Chaudhry, Producer of Akram Khan Company, is an exception. I first started working with Akram Khan Company in 2004 and both Farooq and Akram understood the value that strategic communications, a confident vision and clear messaging bring to an arts organisation. Farooq’s boundless energy, spirit of internationalism and courage to collaborate across art forms is always an inspiration.
Alistair Spalding
Working with Akram over many years it is hardly surprising that I am a big fan of contemporary dance. It is impossible not to mention Alistair Spalding and his transformation of Sadler’s Wells into a world class producing house, commissioning and producing jaw dropping work from the likes of Sylvie Guillem, Sidi Larbi Cherkoui, Wayne McGregor, Akram Khan and Crystal Pite. He has demonstrated how innovative, yet commercially intelligent programming can ignite public excitement for the arts. It was very welcome news that Sadler’s Wells is planning to build a new theatre to add to its current portfolio of venues, which shows that even though Alistair has been in control of Sadler’s for ten years, he’s still looking to the future of his organisation.
Sir David Green
I’m a trustee of Dash Arts and the board is fortunate to benefit from the steady hand of Sir David Green as Chair. Using his considerable expertise built up during his time as Chief Executive of the British Council, David is an invaluable resource. His experience and advice have helped us through some challenging times. His passion and enthusiasm for contemporary theatre and enthusiastic support for our Artistic Directors, Tim Supple and Josephine Burton, has enabled them to produce some of the most remarkable theatrical and musical experiences. The work of Dash crosses political, geographic and economic boundaries, using the arts as a force to create greater dialogue and understanding between nations.
Harry Rich
Harry Rich, Chief Executive of the Royal Institute of British Architecture, is one of the most civilized and polite executives I have ever had the pleasure of working with: his charm, insight and determination are transforming the RIBA. The redevelopment of the iconic RIBA building in Portland Place and the creation of new galleries dedicated to design and the built environment will be one of the highlights of 2014. The first show in the new gallery opening in February, ‘The Brits who Built the Modern World’ tells the story of how a single generation of architects (Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, Nicholas Grimshaw, Michael and Patty Hopkins and Terry Farrell) gave 21st Century British architecture an unrivalled reputation around the world. I am looking forward to the launch and Harry's continued success.
Peter Welch is Managing Director of arts sponsorship agency Showcase.