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Originally Posted by Garinda
My only question, that remains unanswered, would be was Gayle appointed to an existing job at H.B.C., or is it a totally new creation?
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It is a new creation but it was created two years ago. When I was invited to apply for the post of Arts Consultant for the council. It did come about in a slightly roundabout way but it was all above board and completely transparent. I went to a seminar about Arts Council funding, at the same meeting was Kerry from Leisure in Hyndburn. She said she was there to find out whether the Civic Theatre would be eligible for some funding. As I had already got experience in Arts Council funding, I offered to help her with her application (for no fee). After that followed a few meetings with Steve Tanti and Cllr Britcliffe to see how I could volunteer to help. I worked with them to apply for some Arts Council funding for a consultant to complete a report about the viability of the theatre.
When the Arts Council funding was awarded there was an application process for the role of Arts Consultant. This followed all the normal rules and regulations and is completely open and was advertised. I had to apply like everyone else. I don't know who else applied as that bit was kept confidential from me (naturally as you rarely know who you're up against at an interview). I got the job and the rest as they say, is history.
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Originally Posted by Garinda
I look forward to seeing a marked improvement in the quality of arts in the borough, and have no fears that she'll strive to do her best.
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Thank you
Just as an addendum to this. You might ask, why after doing this for two years is there not a marked improvement already? Whilst I would (naturally) argue that there has been some improvement already, all of these things take time - time to get funding in place, time to get networks in place and time to write plans and develop the ideas. Last year was a tester with the Year of Culture events, which provided extra Arts throughout the borough and showed what could work and what doesn't. August this year will be the watershed moment as things really start to come into being when the Arts Centre opens its doors.
Funding for many projects is now in place, the building work has started (I got to chose the colour of the carpets on Thursday) and the programme of activity is starting to come together.