Invisible Threads

Invisible Threads is a sector facing project that is reviewing and building a true picture of the state of producers and producing across the South West .

It is a culmination of 15 years of thinking, experimenting and arts development practice.

I am now able to share the key findings of the report which you can download here.

The starting point: action research

Between Feb and December 2024 I interrogated and considered the producing culture, infrastructure and workforce (both self employed and employed) across the South West. You can read the key findings below.

Supported by Arts Council England. 

I believe that sustained change is needed for producers and the producing culture in the South West.

I want to better understand: entry points to producing; the progression routes and trajectory for producers & self producing artists/companies; the working conditions; the opportunities and barriers to training and skills development; the capacity gap; inclusivity and how producing culture plays out in priority places versus places with higher levels of cultural investment. 

I hope to travel the length and breadth of the South West area from Cheltenham to Penzance and from Barnstaple to Portsmouth to talk with individuals and organisations to gather a true picture of the producing culture here.

Alongside this, I will gather and examine data, case studies, talk to funders, stakeholders and contribute my own reflections and experiences of supporting and developing producers over the last 15 years to critically review the state of producers and producing.

The outcome of this action research will inform and drive change at a regional and national level to ensure the best conditions for producers to sustain, develop and work in this region.

If you are interested in talking more about this please email me.