Things the world of theatre can do without post-pandemic:
Inaccessible venues
Unimaginative programming
Disenfranchised freelancers
The term BAME
Unconstructive twitter rage
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)🧵
@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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 ❤
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
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
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
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
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?
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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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!!!!
🙏👍👊
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Suba Das (
@SubaDasDirects
) has stepped down as creative director of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse (
@LivEveryPlay
) after just over a year in the role
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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...
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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?
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!
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'
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?
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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...
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.
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)
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
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
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
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'.
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.
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
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
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
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😜
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
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)
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! 💥💥💥
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
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?
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
33. And finally... too many people like me highlighting all the problems, that are obvious to everyone, but not offering constructive solutions...
Peace...
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.
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.
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
Some words from me on
@battersea_arts
shifting to Pay What You Can. And again, huge props to
@arcstockton
@SlungLow
and the many many others who have led the way on this