Creatively Speaking

As we hit exam season, many young people are sitting level 3 qualification in the hope of a higher education place this September, whilst those taking level 2 are considering their futures and potential degree options. Here is a suggestion: a degree that. produces groundbreaking innovative research  produces highly skilled individuals able to work across…

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Following on from my post in October on the Women in Theatre Survey and the work by Women in Theatre Lab, the Arts Council has announced that it is to consider a gender advisory board. This follows a meeting with a group of leading women in the theatre, including Jude Kelly and Stella Kanu.   …

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The 1st of March is traditionally the first metrological day of spring, and whilst the UK has escaped the extreme winter weather of last year, it has been an extremely difficult winter for the creative sector. Film and television continue to feel the effects of the advertising slowdown, with many freelancers out of work and…

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We are at the end of another tumultuous and difficult year. One which I think, for many, has been as or even more challenging than 2022. I know I said that last Christmas, but it feels even more so this year. The industry has come under multiple challenges, which look to continue for some time…

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Less anxiety and depression, more time and resources to spend on their practice; 2 of the key findings from the first impact assessment of Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts, its 3-year pilot scheme of paying a basic income to a selected group of artists. As part of the programme, regular assessments would review how…

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Only 6% of respondents believe there has been an increase in opportunities for women in theatre.  84% of women in theatre are still being impacted by the pandemic. The two above sobering statistics were my key takeaways from reading Women in Theatre Survey Update 2023 written by Jennifer Tuckett. It follows up the previous report…

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For this year’s autumn reading, I am looking at Shakespeare. Not his plays, or books about his life, but books about actually working with his text.  Published in 1984 John Barton’s Playing Shakespeare is the companion to the workshops previously recorded for Thames Television/Chanel 4. Drawing on his extensive work with the RSC as director…

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It has been rumbling for some time but last week the Prime Minister announced that the Government is to crackdown on so-called “low value” degrees, those that do not lead to well-paid jobs, further education or starting a business. Whist arts and humanities courses are not specifically mentioned, nor are creative jobs, the underlying message…

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The Government has set out new plans to grow the creative industries and support a million new jobs, in a priority sector for economic growth. Plans include growing creative clusters across the UK, building a highly skilled workforce and maximising the positive impact of the creative industries on communities, the environment and the UK’s global…

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England is to trial Universal Basic Income (UBI) in a 2 year pilot programme. Jarrow, South Tyneside and East Finchley, North London, have been selected for a micro pilot, with thirty people selected to receive the payment of £1,600 a month. Participants paid UBI will be monitored to see what effect it has on their…

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