Your Arts Questions Answered: Careers, Venues & AI

Welcome back to Pain in the Arts, the weekly podcast exploring the arts and creative sector in Wales — hosted by broadcaster Chris J Birch and artist‑writer‑editor Jak Rhys Birch.After an unexpected week off (Chris’s dad had a heart attack — he’s recovering well), we’re back with a fast‑round Q&A special, answering your biggest questions about arts careers, degrees, venues, funding, AI and theatre etiquette.This week we cover:🎨 Becoming an Art Critic  • How long it takes• Whether it can be a full‑time career• Why criticism in Wales is evolving• The balance between promotion and critique• The importance of separating relationships from reviews• More on art criticism🧵 Should You Study Textiles?  • Jack’s experience with a textiles degree• How he uses it now• Why multidisciplinary degrees can be more flexible• The craft vs fine‑art debate• Explore creative degrees🏛️ Why Are Theatres Falling Apart?  • The history of miners’ halls and community venues• How local authorities inherited buildings they can’t afford• Why renovation funding is scarce• The future: community asset transfers, new builds, and political decisions• Learn about theatre funding🧪 Arts & Health: Who Funds It?  • NHS vs Arts Council• Why arts‑and‑health projects are growing• The Manchester “prescribed comedy” trial• Bangor University’s arts‑and‑health research• More on arts and health🧵 Should Ceramicists Use AI for Marketing?  • Why AI captions can boost SEO• How makers can use AI ethically• Why AI shouldn’t generate posters or artwork• Building a social‑media‑first sales strategy• Explore AI for creatives🍷 Should Theatres Allow BYOB?  • Accessibility vs behaviour• Why overpriced drinks exclude audiences• When BYOB becomes a problem• The difference between “fun” and “disruptive”• More on theatre etiquetteIt’s fast, funny, honest, and packed with practical insight for anyone working in — or trying to break into — the arts.Support the show