Join Exeter Phoenix gallery curator Matt Burrows, film programmer Claire Horrocks and performance programmer Katy Danbury, alongside Northcott Theatre’s Creative Director Martin Berry, and learn about the best ways to start and develop a relationship with an arts venue. During this session you will be provided insight into what programmers look for and how to approach them, as well as advice about what makes a successful proposal, the do’s and don’ts of pitching, and how to find the right venue for your work.

Matt Burrows is the Curator & Gallery Manager at Exeter Phoenix, a multi-artform contemporary arts venue in Devon, UK that specialises in working with emerging and mid-career artists. He has over 30 years’ experience working with contemporary art in project management, exhibition making and curating roles, in commercial, public and community settings. He also works in a variety of freelance consultancy projects, mentoring and lecturing roles.

Claire Horrocks has been working in Film Exhibition for over 10 years and is currently Film Programmer at Exeter Phoenix, curating Studio 74, Exeter’s only independent cinema. Claire also produces Two Short Nights Film Festival, Exeter’s annual Big Screen in the Park and many specialised film seasons.
Claire is on the advisory panel for Film eXe, was an advisor for Film London’s Young Audiences and BFI FAN SWWM and has shortlisted for festivals such as Encounters, Animated Exeter and Cork Film Fest. Alongside her work in film Exhibition Claire helps steer the Exeter Phoenix Short Film Commissions and has executively produced over 100 regional short films. She is also a trustee for Paignton Picturehouse.

Katy Danbury is the Performance Programmer at Exeter Phoenix, and co-producer of Scratch Night. Katy was formerly the Artistic Director of the Old Red Lion Theatre in London where she won the inaugural London Pub Theatres Magazine Commendation Award for her commitment to nurturing early-career artists and increasing access and inclusivity in theatre. For seven years Katy ran the London Horror Festival, the UK’s original and largest festival of live horror performance, where she platformed and championed hundreds of new and emerging artists through her annual fringe programmes and playwriting competitions. She is a freelance performer and producer, and a member of the Exeter Phoenix Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team.

Martin Berry is Creative Director and Joint CEO of Exeter Northcott Theatre, has directed forty-nine productions, and developed thriving partnerships with a wide range of regional and national organisations, such as the National Theatre, the RSC and other sectors including private sector business and universities.
Martin also has extensive community engagement and senior management experience. In his previous role as Director of Participation at Nottingham Playhouse, Martin created multiple performing arts groups for under-represented voices in Nottinghamshire. His notable achievements include establishing new groups for disabled adults and children, the award-winning Nottingham Queer Arts Collective, and Rootz Theatre Company for looked-after young people.

Creative Growth
Free professional development workshops

This programme of FREE Professional Development Workshops for artists is designed to support our creative community to develop relevant skills, expand knowledge and grow professional networks. Focussing on the business of being a creative practitioner, the programme aims to equip artists with the skills that they need to grow their careers.

Each session will be followed by a chance to informally hang out, meet and chat with fellow attendees in our cafe bar.

We nurture a thriving arts scene through our Creative Hub, supporting artists, musicians, theatre companies, filmmakers and creatives at every stage of their career and practice. As well as presenting work, we also thrive on developing new talent by giving artists the tools to experiment, take risks and realise their best ideas. Through the Creative Hub, we have helped launch the careers of award-winning filmmakers, developed quality work that has gone on to tour nationally, and provided a support network for those looking to embark on creative endeavours for the first time.

This programme is made possible thanks to the support of the Fenton Arts Trust.

LOCATION: Exeter Phoenix, Studio 2

This is a free event, the transaction fee will be removed at the checkout