Ian Archer tells us how he has progressed through his career
Chief Executive The Courtyard Centre for the Arts, Hereford (2013 – present)
I have just taken over as Chief Executive of The Courtyard. It’s hugely exciting to be leading the future development of the organisation. In some ways it will be a little bit scary, with all eyes focussed on what future plans and opportunities are created for The Courtyard. The staff and Board have been fantastic since my arrival and work extremely hard to ensure that things happen. I am looking forward to my time at The Courtyard together with having the huge benefit of living in a stunning part of the country.
General Manager / Chief Executive Hull Truck Theatre (2011 – 2013)
Hull Truck Theatre was a theatre that I had followed and admired throughout my career, and was admired across the UK as a touring company with the plays of its once resident playwright, John Godber. So to be a part of this prolific organisation was a dream come true. I joined not long after the new purpose-built theatre had opened. By this time the programming had changed direction and new audiences had to be found for a theatre that had gone from 200 seats to 447 seats plus a 135 seat studio. Working at Hull Truck was challenging, exciting, frantic and at times frustrating, but overall a fantastic experience. I was very touched by the commitment and support from all the staff at Hull Truck. We worked exceptionally well together and they gave everything to get a show ‘on the road’ – literally!
General Manager NCH (Liverpool) Ltd (2006 – 2011)
NCH was a community facility offering the opportunity to engage with the arts. As General Manager I was responsible for venue management, the events programme, funding schemes, HR, and even attempted to be an accountant! The organisation provided an opportunity for the community . It to experience art of many genres that would influenced their lives.
Theatre Manager Clwyd Theatr Cymru (2000 – 2006)
My move from music to theatre was motivated by my love of theatre. Clwyd Theatr Cymru has to be one of the best producing theatres in the UK and working there gave me the opportunity to be a part of the everyday running of a theatre at its best – front of house, catering, maintenance, HR, finance and most importantly customers. There’s nothing like the buzz of a theatre coming alive with people – the atmosphere is electric.
Marketing Director Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society (1987 – 2000)
It was an absolute pleasure to work with a world-class orchestra in the impressive Philharmonic Hall. Working with Artistic Director Libor Pesek and a host of international musicians was fantastic. To hear the RLPO live on stage was, and still is, a fabulous experience and one that I will always treasure. One of my greatest achievements was ‘The Summer Pops’. During a major refurbishment on the Concert Hall I sited a big top marquee on Liverpool’s waterfront and commissioned a flamboyant composer and conductor to produce a series of concerts that would attract a new audience to classical music. We doubled our capacity from 2,500 to 5,000!
Ian Archer is Chief Executive of Courtyard Arts in Herefordshire