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Tarek Iskander Profile
Tarek Iskander

@TarekIskander1

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Artistic Director & CEO of Battersea Arts Centre. These just my opinions, not BAC's. I'm mostly wrong about everything anyway. he/him.

Joined May 2014
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
I only wish this country could cut carbon emissions with as much gusto as it cuts arts funding
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Personally I don't want theatre to be polite I want it to be mischievous, subversive and generally quite unruly
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Things the world of theatre can do without post-pandemic: Inaccessible venues Unimaginative programming Disenfranchised freelancers The term BAME Unconstructive twitter rage
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
1 year
Oh no Kenneth you've got me started! Every case is different, & let's be clear these jobs are generally well paid & a huge privilege, but fwiw here's my take on the post-covid challenges that are making the roles feel more difficult than ever (all of which relate to resources)🧵
@KennethTharp
Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE, FRSA
1 year
@TarekIskander1 The last two years have seen a huge churn of artistic directors (some after relatively short tenures), including those companies/venues listed below. It really does beg the question - what’s going on? Are Boards sufficiently skilled and attuned to navigate these tough times?
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
It was so special to get married this month in my beloved @battersea_arts . The team made it perfect for us in every way. A day I will remember fondly forever
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Ooops, I really didn't mean for this news to some out this way! But this is definitely our ambition and something the team are currently working on. But I do want to give a shout out to @arcstockton who have been doing this for ages, and who are being generous in sharing learning
@TheStage
The Stage
4 years
All future events at Battersea Arts Centre ( @battersea_arts ) are to be pay-what-you-can or free from spring 2021, artistic director and chief executive @TarekIskander1 has revealed
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
The clear task for most of us in the arts is to stop being entitled ivory towers contributing to rampant social inequalities, and start pulling together to create a new National Arts Service that is free and available to anyone who needs it
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I don't think a rehash of Jerusalem and a star-studded octogenarian Hamlet is the way to convince the public the Arts are vital and inclusive and can transform lives and communities. This is a colossal PR fail on every level. Lets get our real and inspiring stories out there NOW
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Today @battersea_arts moved to 100% renewable electricity. The little things definitely add up.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Every time I watch videos of European theatre productions, (like much of today) I feel so jealous that we simply don't have the time / structure / resources / inclination / public investment to make work with the the same kind of scale and ambition here. It's a creative travesty
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
An idea who's time has absolutely come, is advocating collectively for a 'National Portfolio of Artists' funded by ACE. The seed of a non-project based individual funding stream was already sown with 'Developing Your Creative Practice'. Time for the next and more radical step
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
8 months
This Tuesday, my wife & I had a son. You'll have to trust me that's he's super cute, but I won't be posting any pictures. This is because his happy arrival came after 4 years of painful IVF that was filled with disappointments & nearly broke us (but never our partnership) 1/9
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I grew up in a society where the arts were consistently censored and neutered under the ironic guise of protecting freedom of expression (for some hideous ideologies). I just can't sit on my hands if that starts happening here. Even if it means I have to kiss my own job goodbye
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Such rough times for theatre. It's OK if things can't progress right now. It's OK to do whatever is needed to hang in there, make a living, scrape by. Finding a way to just get through really is more than enough right now. If that's how it feels, you're really not alone
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Today I feel I've at long last made my peace that the world that existed will be no more, and I can't keep grieving it forever. Would have been really, really nice to have overseen just one little season at BAC first though...(sigh). Never mind. More space for new things now
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
Feel so humbled to accept this on behalf of the amazing @battersea_arts team, the artists and creatives that grace our stages, the creative young people & communities that inspire us, audiences, funders, volunteers... everyone that makes BAC so special... this one's for you ❤
@OffWestEndCom
OffWestEnd / Offies / OffComm / OnFest / OneOff
2 years
The Artistic Director award will be presented by @littler_tom . And the winner is @TarekIskander1 of @battersea_arts . Following a fire and a Covid pandemic, BAC has continued to shine brightly as an artistic beacon and inspire with their operational decisions. (1/2) #Offies2023
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I worked in the NHS for 15 yrs. So trust me when I say there is NOTHING in the world of culture that can compare to the stress and pressure those doctors, nurses and managers will be feeling now as they try to save our lives. Anything they need from us - we owe them that much
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Lets be clear, no more external saviours can be hoped for. Now theatre's collective challenge is enabling each other to make work amd be wildly creative in changed conditions. But also more equitably more nimbly and in a way that is critical to everyone's lives. Lets get busy
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
A commitment from us at BAC is that we aren't going to encourage artists to retread their 'greatest hits' with us. Instead we want to get behind new ideas and new work for the brand new context we're all in
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Nothing disempowers artists like match funding requirements, making them scrabble around trying to cobble together proposals from those with more resources. Time to get rid?
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
If you really want to know what being in AD is like... It's lying awake at 1 am, understanding that the price of crisps in our bar is a genuine existential question about our organisation's values, and stressing I really don't know what the right call is...
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
So here's another @battersea_arts commitment. Our seasons will always include disable-led work, queer-led work and performances from people of colour because that is the BEST work we can find. There's no room for crass tokenism in our seasons. Diversity is our superpower
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
We get SO much wrong every day @battersea_arts . But I love the team and the place so much, because it's not just a venue. BAC is an idea ... an idea of somewhere where (truly) everyone can create and collide with radical art. Failure doesn't matter - it's the trying that counts
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
The hard facts... 1. Way too few opportunities for early career artists 2. Even fewer opportunities for artists outside London 3. And even fewer opportunities for people with protected characteristics Venues in particular, (including @battersea_arts ) need to step up
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
So thrilled to be here for my first day in the new role @battersea_arts . Such a dream come true for me. My top job for week 1: get to know the 'people' around as people - not as employees or stakeholders
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
I've just been told off for working on my laptop in the royal festival hall. What the hell?! I thought these were PUBLIC spaces? I'm fed up with our arts spaces being so damn uptight. All of us who run and work in these buildings need to sort this kind of thing out ASAP
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I feel vulnerable admitting this, but when I think about the major systemic problems for freelancers in our sector, & what an individual org like BAC can do to help, I feel overwhelmed. It relates to such a wide set of socio-economic problems and needs drastic co-ordinated effort
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Been @battersea_arts 12 months now. Let's just say, it hasn't quite gone as planned
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Apologies, long tweet incoming... it feels from my perspective we are heading into quite a dangerous moment for cultural institutions. The well-documented lack of people to work in some specialist areas is very real, particularly tech, hospitality, marketing etc.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
We all must be kind to each other and inclusive and never oversimplify, demonise or generalise.... I just think it's difficult to argue 'there's room for everyone in theatre' when for decades so many brilliant people have felt excluded and unwelcome and simply not been allowed in
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I just saw a slide on a presentation implying ACE is consulting with some freelancers on the idea of a National Portfolio for Artists / Individuals Hey I know there are mixed feelings about this concept... but anyway.... YYYYEEEESSSSS!!!! 🙏👍👊
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
10 months
When people ask why people like me don't post about events in the Middle East...please understand some of us grew up there, & have actually experienced war & know first-hand the awful suffering it causes for all sides... so this is real & personal for us. Twitter is not the place
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
Formulas I've learned the hard way to help future Artistic Directors: PROGRAMMING - RISK = THEATRE - AUDIENCE
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
After so much pain the last few months, am just so uplifted and relieved to see theatre across the country, slowly, gently coming back to life But as work restarts, let's not forget the radical thinking and idealism we all shared these past months. It's still the work we need
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I think the Boards of our cultural institutions have been too quiet and timid in this crisis The public advocacy has mostly come from freelancers and organisational staff at all levels. We should encourage them to shout out louder for us now... they have real clout
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Four conversations today, both professional and personal where the person on the other line burst into floods of tears. It can't be tougher on people right now. Everyone is suffering in so many different ways. If it feels hard or overwhelming, you are definitely not alone.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Very tough day truth be told. Exhausted. But nowhere near as hard as what others are going through. Can we all just be nice to each other this weekend? Nice is more than enough right now
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
The last 3 jobs I've had have required me to be endlessly diplomatic. Comes with the territory. But I'm looking forward to a day in the future when I can just let rip
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
In my first months @battersea_arts people would ask me how's it going. And I would jokingly say 'Well the doors are still open!' I was such a bell-end
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
I admire these creatives and theatres immensely, but I'm asking myself how many Hamlet announcements in one week are too many? We'll either emerge from this pandemic with a revitalised renaissance of artistic radicalism & innovation... or something not that. Our choice I guess
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
1 year
I have no Intel on this example, but the pattern of people who step down earlier than you might expect from what sound like 'dream jobs', tells you a lot about the state of things right now
@TheStage
The Stage
1 year
Suba Das ( @SubaDasDirects ) has stepped down as creative director of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse ( @LivEveryPlay ) after just over a year in the role
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Universal access should be theatre's foundation stone, not its afterthought
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
My kind of place. Financially accessible theatre is definitely the future (always should have been in the first place)
@TheStage
The Stage
4 years
A new venue billed as the UK's first "truly free theatre" – where all tickets will be free, subsidised by bar sales and social impact funding – is set to open in Liverpool in spring 2021, run by @_ThePurpleDoor
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
This glorious weather is making me very sad, as in an alternative timeline we'd be getting married tomorrow. Oh well. Love and companionship matter more than ritual, and we've been lucky enough to have that in spades right now. Maybe next year.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Please let's not perpetuate this corrosive narrative that theatres have just 'shut up shop' and disappeared. We haven't done that because we vital creative hubs for artists and communities. Long Thread incoming.... (with SHOUTY CAPS) too
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Random advice...NEVER EVER let a crappy or restrictive person spec put you off applying for a role if you believe you have skills to do it. My last three jobs I never fully matched the specs...but if you can squeeze into a longlist it's anyone's game at that point
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Will share some reflections about this at some point - on the sheer power of collective team effort, but also to acknowledge that so many amazing achievements never get recognised. But frankly, for now, am just a bit in shock
@TheStage
The Stage
3 years
Congratulations to Battersea Arts Centre in London, our second Theatre of the Year winner, sponsored by Cabbells, at #TheStageAwards in association with Tysers Insurance Brokers. @TysersEnt @Cabbells1 @battersea_arts @TarekIskander1 @cocreatechange @hrzn_showcase
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I am sure we can find a way to build a sector that doesn't always feel like there are 'winners' and 'losers'. So many people have suffered so badly these past months... let's try to craft something where everyone can share in our future successes. We will come through this.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
There's a frenzied tone to all debate in the arts i can't get used to. Any artistic proposal people react so violently, for or against. Like taking a fighting stance. In the NHS someone would propose something and people would argue about pros and cons. Passionately but reasoned
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Last 12 months, people liked to tell us Universal Pay What You Can would 'devalue the BAC brand'. That people would pay peanuts or not buy tickets at all. So far... so wrong...
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
1 year
It never gets tired to acknowledge , that in many arts organisations, (even BAC), it is often the invaluable & remarkable contribution of women leaders that is hidden behind a male public face (like my own) when they are the ones doing the real and vital work. 1/6
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
What should be the priorities of cultural venues in a cost of living crisis? Keep culture accessible and affordable to those in most difficulties? Provide warm spaces for refuge? Help artists survive financially? Advocate using creativity for those who are most in crisis?
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Today has been a tough day for every theatre. I have endless admiration for the @battersea_arts team who seem to put everyone else first. It's hard for us venues but even harder for independents and those on low wages. People who want to help BAC can help us most by helping them
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Woke up to find our brilliant ED, Rebecca Holt, still emailing past midnight as she tries to grapple with financial projections that still swing wildly every day, and coordinate our non-stop work with artists, communities and clients. EDs can never get enough credit in my book
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
The more I stare at financial spreadsheets, the more I conclude the fundamental economics of cultural venues makes zero sense
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
NPO first impression 1. V sad for the brilliant orgs cut 2. Lots of fabulous new, diverse, companies in the mix 3. Companies now have v large pots relative to their size compared to venues. With escalating costs, the main story might be venues really struggling the next few years
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
My unpopular view for the day: 'Theatre Twitter' would benefit from a lot fewer opinions on how to magically fix things (especially from people like me) & a lot more sharing of academic evidence of what has worked in the past in different contexts
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
So am quickly learning that an AD job inevitably involves saying 'no' to a daily deluge of brilliant ideas, offers, proposals and projects. I know it's much better to be honest, decisive and clear rather than keep people hanging... but it doesn't make it easier on a human level.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
Sorry I feel I want to say this... Not having money DOESN'T mean you HAVE to take less creative risks. Everyone knows being skint means you can go for broke - in fact you have to. It makes me so livid when people use the excuse of lack of public subsidy for just dull programming
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
So behind on emails, that you spend all your time apologising for being late in replying, which makes you even more behind on the new emails as they come in. Anyone else share this particular circle of hell?
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Theatre twitter... someone asked me a brilliant question - who are the radical UK theatre makers, working in the tradition of 'bouffon'? And as they put it: 'I don’t mean the makeup and costume variety, but rather the provocateurs and shit-kickers.' Love it. Suggestions please!
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
Some days it just feels like... everybody loves the idea of @battersea_arts , but no-one wants to fund @battersea_arts (sigh)
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
Being mentioned in the Stage 100 is nice and everything, but it really won't stop my mum asking me very time she calls when I'm going to get a 'proper job'
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I think a key but very complicated question for our sector going forward is... Do we actually decide to be 'poorer' financially, if it makes us 'richer' in terms of our ethics, inclusivity, connectedness with our communities, and ability to deliver our charitable aims?
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
It's not that we're short of good ideas in the arts - but we often demonstrate a chronic lack of the skills and expertise to turn these into systemic and organisational realities. I think we could do worse in the new world than fund a lot of artists to do some MBAs
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Definitely time to take more risks, not less. What's a creative risk anyway? If it isn't scary, prob not worth it anyway.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I haven't been able to face twitter for a while now (self-preservation after some really nasty private exchanges) - but logged in today and ended up replying to a whole swathe of wonderful, inspiring, generous, and provocative DMs. I so love our extended performing arts family
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
The sad truth 2020 brought home to the performing arts, is that too much of it is hostile or abusive or exploitative.. to too many. But it also shed light on such compassion, kindness and courage from a few. Here's to us celebrating and nourishing more of that next year
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
1 year
What this article reminds me, is that the last hospital I worked at, on its own, had an annual budget more than THREE TIMES higher than ACE's total national spend on arts and culture in all of England. We're all making miracles happen with scraps
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Pre comedy social distancing drinks in our bar. I'm biased for sure but the BAC team have been AMAZING looking after everyone and the place has a wonderful atmosphere. Like old times (almost)
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I stand by my pitch in here for subsidised performance being free for everyone. And that doesn't need to mean crappy deals for artists. Watch this space
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
6 months
So many horror stories about council cuts right now. So here's a good news story about @wandbc , who absolutely recognise the long term benefits of investing in local arts, communities, culture and creativity. Bravo
@wandbc
Wandsworth Council
6 months
With @battersea_arts about to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the council has delivered an early birthday present by extending its rent-free period to 2035 - meaning more can be invested in Wandsworth's creative arts scene
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
7 months
What a brilliant moment that is a huge boost to the whole @battersea_arts team. So much hard work from so many. And we share the award with our brilliant co-nominees @Transform_Leeds @Complicite . Thank you @TheStage ... These things mean a lot...
@TheStage
The Stage
7 months
Congratulations to @battersea_arts who have been awarded the International Award sponsored by @ConcordShows . 🏆 #TheStageAwards in association with @TysersEnt
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
7 months
Filing under 'ignore'. Providing they aren't spreading hate or advocating for violence, I feel all our staff in the sector should feel free to say whatever they want.
@ArtsPro
Arts Professional
7 months
APNews: Arts Council England ( @ace_national ) has updated its policies, warning that "political statements" made by individuals linked to an organisation can cause "reputational risk", breaching funding agreements (1/5)
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
So brilliant 👏🏽
@TheStage
The Stage
4 years
Mayor of London @SadiqKhan has announced a £250,000 programme to improve working conditions for freelancers in the performing arts. It will create a Freelancers Charter, setting out standards for what freelancers should expect from employers
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Still can't get over how amazing the announcement of @newdiorama 's new development hub is. Complete game changer. So thrilled to see it
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
1 year
Change I'll be on Front Row at 19:15 on Monday, trying to represent the state of theatre right now. Will try to be constructive
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
The last two weekends I've spent hours and hours trying to write down thoughts on how the sector can change and what we could be doing to not to waste this moment to fix our sector. But I can't find ways to express myself and I keep binning them due to imposter syndrome. Sigh
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
8 months
But the truth is that everyone, visibly or invisibly has their moments of despair. But no matter what fate deals us, with the right support, with just one drop of love left in this vast & choppy ocean, there are moments of unimaginable joy for all of us just over the horizon 9/9
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
I believe the evolution of theatre in the UK is being held back by the lack of younger and more diverse theatre critics having a powerful voice
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
So proud to have this beautiful, permanent gesture of celebration of the LGBTQ+ community outside our building. Incredible LGBTQ+ artists, partners and community members have always been a fabulous, crucial part of BAC's history. Great to have that vital legacy 'set in stone'.
@wandbc
Wandsworth Council
4 years
As #PrideMonth gets underway, Cllr Paul Ellis joins Dave Robson from @LGBTQWandsworth & @battersea_arts artistic director Tarek Iskander to welcome the new rainbow crossing in Clapham Junction.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
1 year
The power of twitter eh? I guess I should be more mindful what I tweet on my bus rides to work! Nice to see the discussion continuing though
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
5 years
It's been a very long day... But @battersea_arts dedicated marketing team are still working at fever pitch. They are often the punching-bags for everyone else's stress... Marketing and comms are theatre's unsung heroes. Tonight I want to sing for them
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
1 year
Oh another thing leading to major AD burnout that is rarely talked about publically.... The horrible emotional toll of having to oversee multiple restructuring and redundancy processes... Causing so much suffering to colleagues you admire and cherish
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
I don't care if this 'take' is unpopular. I believe the absolute (only?) way to get badly needed support out to freelancers and grassroots organisations is to empower our Arts Council. They are the only people with any hope negotiating something helpful - let's get behind them
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
2 years
Just ticked the box confirming to ACE that BAC will be relocating out of London - just want to reassure everyone that this decision really isn't about following the money. But we really do look forward to welcoming you to Bradford Arts Centre soon😜
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
7 months
Just so this doesn't feel personal to the arts, I used to experience this kind of nonsense in the NHS. Every now & then we'd get some risible diktat telling us not to publicly criticise the government health policy of the day. Our general reaction reaction was to totally ingore
@ArtsPro
Arts Professional
7 months
APNews: Arts Council England ( @ace_national ) has updated its policies, warning that "political statements" made by individuals linked to an organisation can cause "reputational risk", breaching funding agreements (1/5)
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
The NHS vaccine centre at @battersea_arts is being packed up as I write this. The NHS team have been so fabulous and we'll miss them. It's been so great to have been a tiny part of this historic effort. But now BRING ON THE LIVE PERFORMANCES! 💥💥💥
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
On a zoom earlier someone said I look exhausted. He was right. And the day isn't anywhere near over. And it's only Monday. Twitter, no matter how toxic, has been my escape. I live with my partner and barely see her. What an awful time for everyone in so many different ways
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
It feels like every day right now, for me and other ADs/EDs is full of impossible judgement calls and horrible trade-offs. Genuine question: what might a more 'democratic BAC' look like - and how would this new structure make fast and difficult decisions with accountability?
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
3 years
Am googling 'priority towns beginning with B' so we don't have to pay for a rebrand when we relocate BAC's listed building 😉
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
It's been a magical day @battersea_arts today. So chuffed for the team who have worked so hard for months to make this happen. And for the incredible artists whose design, films and interactive projects will delight everyone who steps through our doors.
@battersea_arts
BatterseaArtsCentre
4 years
Since the pandemic began, our focus has centred on how we can support the needs of our community. As we look towards a more hopeful 2021, we’re delighted to share the news that as of today, our building will host the NHS as we become Wandsworth's Covid-19 Vaccination Centre.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
We have to improve accountability for the systemic injustices and inequalities highlighted by Black Lives Matter. If BAC doesn't deliver on genuine representation in all its dimensions in its commissions, workforce and board, I should expect ACE and other funders to cut our money
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Can't sleep so retweeting this. We all have examples of things that felt devastating, insurmountable and made us feel frightened... But by working together and supporting each other, absolutely everything can be rebuilt. Sometimes, even more beautiful than before
@battersea_arts
BatterseaArtsCentre
4 years
Five years ago, on another Friday 13th, a fire broke out in our Grand Hall. In the days, weeks and months afterwards, we could never have predicted the amazing support we’d get from our community – our volunteers, our visitors, our neighbours and the artists we work with.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
ADs aren't islands. We're all accountable to charitable boards. If you really want to disrupt the system or how decisions are made, you must change who everyone is accountable to. It's not credible, however, to propose a system spending public money without robust accountability
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
If we do have to go back to formal theatre in dark rooms one day, can we at least agree @lyngardner should always be allowed to live tweet during performances? Let's keep that bit
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
1 year
33. And finally... too many people like me highlighting all the problems, that are obvious to everyone, but not offering constructive solutions... Peace...
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Knocked down again mid season. I'll be honest, it's not been easy and a bit deflating. We really need some moments now to regroup and mend. But we'll dust off of our boots and get going again quickly. We promise to keep supporting our communities and partners every way we can.
@battersea_arts
BatterseaArtsCentre
4 years
We are sorry to have to cancel the remainder of our #LiveFromTheGrandHall gigs, in response to the changing Covid situation. If you had a ticket booked, we have been in touch over email.
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@TarekIskander1
Tarek Iskander
4 years
Reflecting on today's open space sessions... thinking how many people are anxious, how much that was precious to us has gone or is now at risk, and that our lives are full of personal and professional griefs. We must dream, hope & rebuild together - but with care and kindness too
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