Supporting Artists in Bristol
Theatre Bristol’s Artist Support Programme supports around 125 artists, companies and organisations across the city from graduates to established companies. The programme is delivered by three Creative Producers who respond to the individual needs of those they support. They might act as a critical friend feeding back on work they’ve seen or help develop the business side of the work.
The Artist Support Programme also strives to create partnerships and opportunities which connect Bristol’s artists and work to other cities and networks through a range of events, conversations and platforms.
Who can the programme support?
The Artist Support Programme is open to artists and other arts professionals based in Bristol or making work in Bristol. You don’t have to qualify for support – you just have to get in touch.
Each Creative Producer is aligned to their own specialist area, but will also work with artists outside of that field where they are able to. If you’re not sure who to contact, drop one of the Creative Producers an email and if they’re not the best person to advise you, they’ll point you towards someone else who might better be able to support your needs.
How do you get in touch?
Theatre Bristol’s Creative Producers are:
- Katie Keeler (Physical and Visual Theatre)
- Mike Martins (Circus and Outdoor Performance)
- Tanuja Amarasuriya (Live Art and Experimental Theatre)
To contact, email firstname [at] theatrebristol.net or telephone +44 (0)117 907 2687. Each Producer works 2 ½ days a week, so we recommend emailing rather than phoning in the first instance.
What sort of support is on offer?
The Creative Producers respond to the individual needs of the people they support. This support could include help with and advice on:
- developing clear and compelling artistic ideas
- writing budgets and funding applications
- finding collaborators
- pulling a tour together
- publicising and marketing work
- training opportunities
- event management
- ways to stay motivated in a competitive industry
They can’t give you funding or a gig, but they could work with you to get both. One-to-one support is offered through a mix of email conversation and face-to-face meetings.
Is it valuable and if so in what way?
An evaluation of phase 2 (October 2007 – March 2009) of the Artist Support Programme by independent consultant Annie Warburton is available to download here:
Download the Theatre Bristol Artist Support Programme Phase 2 evaluation
The Artist Support Programme is delivered by three Creative Producers who work 2 ½ days a week each:
Katie Keeler (Physical and Visual Theatre),
Adam Gent (Circus and Outdoor Performance)
Tanuja Amarasuriya (Live Art and Experimental Theatre)
To contact email firstname [at] theatrebristol.net
Or telephone: +44 (0)117 907 2687
