One of the best parts of my role is spending time with artists- listening, sharing ideas and helping them shape the next steps in their creative journeys.
Growing Projects and Creative Practice
Last week, I met with one of our established artists to talk through a project she is leading with Movema. We explored how the work could continue to grow, what our group could bring to a community festival, and how to balance creating meaningful experiences with the practical demands of funding and project outcomes. We also discussed future funding opportunities and spent time talking about her own movement practice and the community-focused projects she is passionate about developing.
At the end of our meeting, she said:
It was really great to talk to you about all of this.
That simple comment reminded me why we make time for these conversations. Supporting artists isn’t just about delivering projects; it’s about creating space to reflect, ask questions and build confidence in taking ideas forward.
Sharing Cultural Stories with New Audiences
Later in the week, I met with an emerging artist from a Colombian folk dance group. They had some exciting opportunities ahead but wanted support in deciding how best to approach them. Together, we explored the artistic content and narrative behind their work, thinking about how to communicate the richness of Colombian folk dance to audiences in the UK. We also discussed how their practice could connect with Movema’s community dance classes, creating opportunities for people to experience these traditions in welcoming, participatory settings.
The Value of Conversation
These conversations are about more than planning the next performance. They’re about helping artists recognise the value of what they already hold – their cultural knowledge, lived experience and artistic voice, and finding ways to share it authentically on both small community stages and larger platforms.
Artist development doesn’t always happen in a studio or on stage. Often, it begins with a conversation, a shared idea, and the confidence to take the next step.
Penny Co-CEO