As we step into a new year, there's a sense of renewal in the air. It's a time to reflect, to dream, and to set intentions that align with our deepest values. Let's explore how you can embrace a values-led approach and make a meaningful impact in 2025.

Financial Constraints and Labour Supply Issues

The Delivery Plan acknowledges that financial constraints and labour supply issues are significant hurdles for the cultural sector. These challenges have been intensified by the pandemic and ongoing economic uncertainties, creating a tricky landscape for many organisations.

Ah, the tree is up! —a time for reflection, rest, and a little bit of fun. It's that magical time of year when we can hit pause, take a deep breath, and truly enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Let's have a chat about how you can make the most of your festive period.

Aligning with Government Missions: A Pipe Dream?

The Delivery Plan talks a big game about how the arts can boost economic growth, improve public health, and bring communities together. But how realistic is this alignment with government missions? For many cultural organisations, navigating the policy landscape can feel like a minefield.

As the festive season approaches, there's a certain magic in the air. It's a time filled with anticipation, joy, and the promise of new beginnings. But before we dive headfirst into the holiday cheer, there's the small matter of winding up work for the year. Let's have a natter about how you can do this with style, ensuring you leave your desk with a smile and a sense of accomplishment.

Current State of Diversity in the Arts

Equality and diversity are essential for a thriving cultural sector but some still seem to only use them as buzzwords, and lack any real understanding of what shift is actually required in our sector.  Despite various initiatives, people from marginalised communities are still not getting a fair shot at leadership roles or representation in programming.

As the festive season approaches, the spirit of giving becomes ever more poignant. For many, Christmas is a time of joy, family, and warmth. However, for some, it can be a stark reminder of what they lack. This year, let's spread cheer by participating in initiatives like the Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal and Lidl's Present Appeal. These initiatives aim to ensure that everyone experiences the magic of Christmas, regardless of their circumstances.

Over the next four weeks, I will be delving into the Arts Council England's 2024-27 Delivery Plan, exploring its ambitious goals and how they align with the realities faced by the cultural sector today. Each week, we'll tackle a different aspect of the plan, examining its potential impact and the challenges that lie ahead. This series aims to provide a comprehensive response to the Delivery Plan, offering insights and solutions to help navigate the path forward. In this first instalment, we explore the overarching vision of "Let's Create" and the feasibility of realising such aspirations in our current climate.

I’m embracing my Julia Roberts and Eat Pray Love-ing 6 days in Rhodes before a heap of projects kick off.

Have you ever heard of the term VUCA? It's a bit of a favourite of mine, and I can't help but bring it up whenever I can, much to the amusement of my colleagues. They joke that I'm a bit obsessed with it, and maybe I am, but it really does capture the challenges we face in today’s world.

In today's fast-paced world, I think we’re all looking for ways to boost our performance, grow personally, and develop as leaders. While one-on-one coaching has its benefits, group coaching is becoming a popular…

In the heart of Leicester, a transformative theatrical experience is unfolding at the Curve. Fantastic Foxes, the latest community production, is not just another play—it’s a powerful reminder of how theatre can truly serve the place it’s being made. This production, under the skilled direction of Kitty Benford, serves as a vivid reminder of how theatre can unite and empower communities.

In today’s digital world, where children are glued to screens and bombarded with rapid-fire information, the arts can sometimes seem like a luxury rather than a necessity. However, engaging with arts and culture isn't just about extracurricular fun; it's about developing essential life skills that are crucial for personal and professional success.

There’s something implicitly problematic for me with the term Young Persons Steering group. Having set them up, co-delivered them, consulted for other organisations to set up theirs, there’s one thing that most people forget. The Action.

Some don’t even forget - they just don’t really care about action. They just have a steering group to say they do. And the steering group aren’t actually engrained in the operational co-creation function of the organisation.