Welcome Message

As you may know, this blog started life as a resource aimed at the members and Alumni of Birmingham University's Guild Musical Theatre Group.















Since then, I have realised that a great many artists I know could use a serious resource for discussion and debate of the major issues.















So, I open this network to any and all arts professionals who would like to use it. Over the years, I have seen some awe inspiring performances and productions by a great many talented and high ranking individuals, whose knowledge would be an asset to the artistic community. I invite these individuals and others to come forward, so that their achievements may be celebrated.






If you would like to write articles or make comments on this blog, please let me know. My contact email is on the link. Membership is free, and there are no obligations. Existing members are free to write as and when they want.








Its is also easy to forget, that we don't often have a chance to discuss or to think about the most serious issues affecting the arts. Despite all the progress made by online networks like Facebook and Twitter, there still needs to be a place where opinions can be viewed, and I hope that this will be such a place: a neutral ground, where all are welcome, and where knowledge can be shared.















Artists of all disciplines, I hope that this will assist your development and further networking. May this resource serve you well.















Best Regards,















James Megarry















Founder















Monday 1 March 2021

Building Back the Arts

As we try to rebuild from the pandemic, there are several steps I believe we can take, to help the creative professions:

  • Student placements in voluntary groups. Students of the creative professions could be placed within voluntary groups,  to gain work experience in their local communities. For example, here in the UK, the body UCAS might consider co-ordinating with NODA, to secure student placements in amateur theatre groups. Similar schemes could be tried or revived for voluntary societies for dance, music or drama in any form.
  • Student-Alumni showcases. Student showcases for performing arts schools are brilliant. But the basic challenge remains; for how the students can stand out and make their connections in the arts industry. Therefore, if the students were given a chance to work directly with Alumni in their industry, they could bridge this gap. A way to do this might be through a reunion. A reunion is a perfect excuse for Alumni to meet as old friends. And if the Alumni were invited to present a joint showcase with the students: this would give students invaluable networking opportunities in the process. 
  • Digital streaming. Live streaming is now the norm at major arts institutions. And it could be the perfect way to reach out to new audiences - Hamilton being the perfect example. VR streaming has also been an excellent way for people to experience reality in a dramatic setting. These methods of digital streaming could also bring in vital revenue for the arts industry as a whole.
These simple steps could make all the difference, in rebuilding the creative professions.

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