Mercury Creatives Case Studies

The Mercury Creatives project currently engages over 70 creative businesses and freelancers working in the performing arts sector across Essex, East Sussex, Kent and Suffolk. They are mentored by over 35 of some of the best performing arts entrepenurs; from artistic directors, fundraisers, lighting designers, producers and coaches.

Here is a selection of four of our fantastic mentees and two of our mentors…

Mentees:

Angela Whatling – Costume Maker

Who are you and what do you do?

I work as a freelancer in wardrobe departments for theatres, predominantly I draft and make costumes which have been designed for upcoming productions along with running the maintenance and dressing during productions.

Why did you apply for Mercury Creatives?

I applied to become a Mercury Creative to make contacts in the industry and to welcome any advice and support a long-established theatre could offer.

What have been your highlights of the programme?

The workshops throughout lockdown as well as weekly catch-ups with other creatives have been really inspiring.

What has been most useful from the mentoring experience?

My mentor is great. She is someone I have built up a great relationship with and I know that she will give me open and honest advice about business ideas, my CV and anything else, she has a wealth of experience and is always happy to spend time talking with me, she has been a great support during lockdown and keeping a positive focus.

 

George Morgan – Teacher, filmmaker, theatre-maker, and founder of Shootsmartphone

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m a teacher, filmmaker, theatre-maker, and founder of Shootsmartphone – which is an educational organisation that teaches young people how to create films and other content on their mobile phones. I’m passionate about inclusivity within the arts and breaking down any barriers that have been consciously or subconsciously put up.

Why did you apply for Mercury Creatives?

I applied for Mercury Creatives because I wanted support in taking my company, Shootsmartphone, to the next level. I understood that I could only really progress by delving into a wealth of experience and opportunities – that both Mercury Creatives and my mentor, Roger Cavalho have.

What have been your highlights of the programme?

The highlights of the programme have ranged from meeting amazing artists, who I can now call friends, to the excitement that continues after the meetings I have with my mentor.

What has been most useful from the mentoring experience?

One of the many useful skills from my mentoring experience has been the art of setting deadlines. The beauty in having agreed deadlines has enabled me to retain the momentum (as we all know can be lost) and see the manifestation of a project that was once a seed.

Martha Loader – Producer, Playwright, Actor – tusk.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am a producer, playwright, actor and co-directors of Ipswich based theatre company, tusk. I am a graduate of the HighTide Writers’ Group and the Soho Theatre’s Writers’ Lab and their alumni group. At INK Festival 2019, I won the ‘Award for Promising Young Playwright’ presented by Richard Curtis. I have also been shortlisted for HighTide’s First Commissions and longlisted for the Theatre503 Playwriting Award.

Why did you apply for Mercury Creatives?

Mercury Creatives seemed like a fantastic opportunity to hone my skills as a producer and as an artist. With no formal training, I have largely had to teach myself about this industry and how to navigate it, so this seemed like the best chance of gaining the support I needed to guide me in the right direction and help me to get the most out of my career.

What has been most useful from the mentoring experience?

ASH has helped me to learn about contracts which is such a useful skill to now have. I feel more confident about what to look for as both a freelance artist and as a producer drawing them up. ASH has been a huge support throughout this process and is an absolute fountain of knowledge. I feel hugely supported and encouraged by him and have already learnt so much from him

What inspired you to work in the arts?

I have always enjoyed telling stories and finding out that I could make that a career was a game-changer. I have met some of my favourite people and had some of the most incredible experiences working in this industry. It’s hard and messy and terrifying at times, but it’s the thing I always come back to and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let it go.

Tom Mangan – Co-artistic Director – Rendered Retina Theatre Company

I am the co-artistic director of Rendered Retina, a multi award-winning theatre company based in Thurrock who create highly physical, playful and energetic work that tours to professional venues and schools. We’re passionate about using our work and experience to give back to our local community.

Why did you apply for Mercury Creatives?

I applied for the Mercury Creatives scheme to learn from an expert mentor through tailored support, someone who can help me turn my dream of running a theatre company into a feasible, sustainable reality. I also applied so I could join a network of like-minded and talented creatives.

What have been your highlights of the programme?

Too many to choose from! The in-person workshops have been the best and most insightful I’ve ever attended. The virtual catch ups have been vital and comforting during lockdown. The support from the team has been second-to-none. The network it’s introduced me to will benefit me for years.

What has been most useful from the mentoring experience?

For me, the business knowledge. Being able to now communicate what I do and have the confidence in networking situations will be invaluable (it’s already paying off!). Plus learning from someone who knows how to construct a business plan; they don’t teach you this at university!

Mentors:

Assis Carreiro – Director – International Arts and Cultural Projects

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Assis Carreiro based in Ipswich, Suffolk. I have worked in the arts for nearly 4 decades in the UK as well as Canada, Belgium, and Germany. I have had leadership roles in many organisations, including DanceEast where I led the capital project for the Jerwood DanceHouse. In recent years I have set up a literature festival, BooksEast, and more recently, acted as Director of Culture for the Quebec Govt Office in London and Cultural Strategist for the High Commission of Canada, London. Since 2018, as a freelancer, I have been offering professional representation services to international choreographers and designers as an agent as well as mentoring and strategic consultancy and leadership development to artists and organisations.

Why did you decide to become a mentor for Mercury Creatives?

I have been mentoring individuals over the past few years. I realised that I really enjoyed the one to one opportunity to support individuals with their vision to achieve their goals and help them navigate their challenges. I was keen to apply for Mercury Creatives as I live close to Colchester and thought it would be a brilliant opportunity to share the knowledge and experience I have gained in my career with a new generation of artists and producers.

What does a ‘typical’ mentoring session involve?

There is no typical mentoring session as I am very much led by the needs of my mentee for that particular session. We try to prepare an agenda in advance, but that can go out the window if there is an urgent issue they want to focus on. We usually have some goals either for the session or the year; a reality check on where my mentee is and their current challenges and needs and we look at all their options – the pros and cons and then we look at next steps.  We both usually have some homework between sessions. But no two sessions are ever the same.

What have been your highlights of the programme?

I have really enjoyed meeting my mentees – they are diverse and run quite different companies. What I love is their energy, positive outlook in these challenging times and never giving up. They are creative thinkers, pivoting with grace to the world of digital in lockdown. Getting the call from one that she had received Emergency Funding from the Arts Council was a red letter day for her as I know how much she had struggled; Making introductions to some of my contacts that are leading to future partnerships for The Paper Birds is another highlight. And, signing off 2 business plans has been fantastic achievements for my mentees.

David W Kidd – Lighting Desginer

Who are you and what do you do?

I am a freelance lighting designer working mainly on theatrical productions, events and music presentations. In my career I have worked around the UK, Europe and North America.

Why did you decide to become a mentor for Mercury Creatives?

I have worked on many productions at The Mercury. Previously I’ve enjoyed working with young people at organisations such as The National Youth Theatre and performing arts schools. Mentoring those with a passion is a joy. Therefore the two elements of the Mercury and mentoring is a great opportunity.

What have been your highlights of the programme?

Mentoring during the continuing challenges of Covid faced by our industry has been frustrating but also enlightening. It has also helped me get through difficult times just through the simple human interaction of discussion. I feel we both benefit.

What does a ‘typical’ mentoring session involve?

Discussion of our well-being at first. Inevitably we then discuss the current political situation that impacts on our industry and what the future may hold. While job opportunities at this time seem unattainable, we remain positive and hold a long- term outlook.

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