Eager to include arts and culture in your community event but not sure where to start?
We asked a former Appetite Creative Producer, Tim Hodgson for his top 5 things to think about when programming arts activity.
1. Audience
Who do you want to get to come and what kind of experience do you want them to have?
Do you want to challenge them, to support them, or just to give them a good time?
What will their experience be from the moment they arrive? When will they get there? When will they be tired, bored, hungry?
2. Research
Do your homework! Don’t just go with your first thought. The more arts and cultural performances/activities you see, the more informed your decisions will be. Even if you can’t see something live, most artists and companies will be happy to send you some video of their work.
3. Spaces
What are the limitations and opportunities in your event location? How can you use these to your advantage?
The location should make the commission or programme stronger.
Do the obstacles limit the number or demographics of the people who can attend?
4. Access
Assume everyone wants to come to your show – can they? In your programming, are you forgetting about someone and making it harder for them to experience it? Removing barriers to participation can be inexpensive if thought about at the early programming stage.
5. Budget
If you’re not sure about reasonable costs, ask people who have done this kind of thing before. Don’t get attached to something you can’t afford. Is the cost of one element making you compromise elsewhere? Are you including all the potential costs? Always keep a small contingency aside just in case.
