Just how does an arts practitioner climb the career ladder? ArtsProfessional?s new series finds out how the sector?s managers and directors made it to where they are today!
Andrew Missingham
Director of the hub
Co-founder and Director of the hub 2002 ?
Andrew Missingham is co-founder and Director of arts development agency, the hub. He is a Fellow on the Clore Leadership Programme. w: http://www.thehubuk.com
Director of Performing Arts at the ICA 2001-02
This was a real challenge. When I arrived, the ICA had pretty much fallen off the map for music and the performing arts (not even featuring in that year?s Time Out poll of London?s top 100 venues). It?s now one of London?s most respected music gigs. Working with colleagues at the ICA to realise this vision was hard work but immensely rewarding. It also refined a lot of the financial management skills that I have used in setting up the hub.
Music Projects Manager at The British Council 1998-2001
About as much fun as you can have with your clothes on. Managed by the incomparable John Kieffer, I was allowed a free hand to create some really interesting projects. The job taught me really important lessons about the instrumental use of the arts and about how complex and subtle cultural differences can be, and how these impact upon the work that you produce.
Lecturer in Music at LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts) 1996-98
Sorted out what was useful in what I had learned in music up to that time. Honed my administration and project management skills. As the college was new, I had a blank canvas to try out projects and work with some really inspiring young artists.
Musician and Record Producer 1990-97
I?ve worked with some really excellent musicians like Labi Siffre, UNKLE, Airto Moreira, Urban Species and Jocelyn Brown. Through being the musical director for live bands I ended up producing records, especially for the Acid Jazz label. At the time it seemed like a thankless task, finding myself caught between a rock (the artist) and a hard place (the record company). It?s only recently that I can listen to the work that I produced. The longer I leave it, the more I like it all.
Builder 1987-90
After leaving Middlesex Polytechnic with a (seemingly) near useless degree, and with work for an aspiring drummer thin on the ground, I worked on building sites for my stepdad Joe. He taught me practical skills and that ?the day?s over when the job?s done?. If everything in the arts goes belly up, I can always go back.