This month, after a wonderful two years at Improbable, my fixed-term contract as ‘Strategic Lead for The Gathering’ comes to an end.
(The headline’s not quite right… it’s not goodbye to Improbable, it’s actually the start of a beautiful relationship and we’re already thinking about what’s next… but it’s goodbye to this particular role, for now)
I’ve loved being with Improbable and learning with them. The deep listening, tolerance for uncertainty, and fearless, persistent responsiveness that drive emergent and improvisatory practice. The principles of self-organisation that underpin Open Space technology. The acknowledgement that when we work on what we love we do it with our full selves. I’ve heard others parrot: ‘people first, work second, always” but I’ve never lived it till now.
I know more about the early stages of a capital project, what it means to ‘engage multiple stakeholders’ (although I still don’t like the phrase!) and how to keep a company connected and its spirit nourished at a time of change. I know more about local, national and regional government and creative industry support structures – and that all makes me even more certain that learning with and through the arts in State schools is what really matters.
I finally understand what “Strategic” actually means! (It’s long-term storytelling.)
And I understand more about myself and my strengths. Building community and relationships. Using stories and images to share ideas clearly and passionately. Connecting people to each other and these ideas in pursuit of a vision I am proud to stand behind.
With another hat on I’m also – for the first time since having my middle child – working as an artist myself on the R&D of a piece of new movement theatre which is too precious and scary to say more about here (yet).
I’m looking for my next challenge and (in true Improbable style!) I’m open as to what that might be. Previously I’ve lead volunteer activist groups to effect political change, supported community arts organisations to create lasting social change over decades, run a large and complex department through Covid (with ALL the HR), advocated, budgeted, strategically planned, fundraised, consulted, advised and collaborated with others to create many meaningful pieces of art. I also speak and write publicly and am very happy as a representative/ambassador.
Please get in touch if you’d like to have a conversation.