Art of Collaboration

Welcome to the fourth episode of The Art of Collaboration, a podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that explores the magic and mechanics of working together across the arts. In this episode, we step into the world of words, scripts, and storytelling.Your hosts, Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph, are joined by the multi-talented Kamal Kaan, a playwright, screenwriter, and poet from Bradford. Kamal shares his journey from studying architecture to becoming a lead artist on major stage and screen projects, offering a refreshing look at why writing is far from a solitary pursuit.What’s inside this episode:The Epic HaikuKamal treats us to a reading of Me You, Haiku, a beautiful commission for Bradford Arts Centre that weaves together personal history, Taylor Swift references, and a love for the city.Dismantling the EgoLearn why moving from "my script" to "our project" is the key to a successful collaboration and how growing up in a family of ten helped Kamal master the art of negotiation.From Architecture to ScreenwritingDiscover how the process of designing a building, from inception to construction, is the perfect metaphor for building a script or an imaginary world.Navigating Rejection and "The Crits"Kamal shares honest stories about surviving public critiques, receiving tough notes, and even the milestone of being sacked from a major TV show.Protecting Your ArtA vital cautionary tale on the importance of Intellectual Property (IP), written agreements, and keeping a paper trail, even when collaborating with friends.Loving Your CollaboratorsA look at the curious beginnings of creative partnerships, including Kamal’s experience working with director Clio Barnard on the BAFTA-nominated film Ali & Ava.Finding Your In Tips on researching unfamiliar subjects (like female cricket teams!) and using personal anchors to tell authentic stories.Whether you are a writer starting out in your bedroom or a creative looking to build a stronger team, this episode is a warm invitation to see collaboration as a source of energy, support, and joy.Join us as we celebrate the power of curiosity and the "10 brains" that make a masterpiece possible.

Welcome to the third episode of The Art of Collaboration, an experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that explores the magic and mechanics of artistic collaboration.In this episode, our hosts Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph are joined by Alison McIntyre, an artist and engagement specialist with over 20 years of experience. As the Visual Arts Instigator at Bradford Producing Hub and co-director of the community interest company Hatch, Alison is a powerhouse of knowledge when it comes to breaking down barriers to participation in contemporary art.To help you apply these insights to your own work, you can ⁠view the Ladder of Participation document mentioned in this episode here⁠.What’s inside this episode:The Ladder of ParticipationAlison introduces a vital tool for any artist or organisation, helping to navigate the different rungs of community engagement, from avoiding tokenism and decoration at the bottom to achieving true empowerment at the top.The Art DoctorsDiscover Alison’s playful Art Doctors project, which uses roving performances and creative prescriptions to make contemporary art more accessible and less intimidating.Co-Creation vs. Co-ProductionThe team unpacks the lumpy terminology of community work, exploring where power, ownership, and responsibility sit when artists and communities create together.Finding Joy in Hard TimesA heartfelt look at how small, creative moments can help people find joy and connection amidst larger social challenges like the cost-of-living crisis.Craft as a Conversation StarterHear how working with your hands, whether through curve stitching or textile art, can lower social barriers and open up space for meaningful, life-changing conversations.Building Long-Term LegacyWhy it is crucial to move beyond whirlwind engagement and instead nurture long-term relationships that leave a lasting positive impact on the community.Whether you are a visual artist, a community organiser, or simply curious about how art can change lives, this episode offers a comprehensive look into collaborating with respect and ethics.Join us for an inspiring deep dive into the ethics of participation and the power of putting communities at the heart of the creative process.

Welcome to the second episode of The Art of Collaboration, a podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that dives into the heart of the creative process. In this episode, we explore the vital intersection of creativity, soul-feeding, and personal wellbeing as an artist.Your hosts, Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph, are joined by the inspiring Sinead Campbell. Sinead was the Bradford Music Lead at BPH, an accomplished singer-songwriter, and a creative wellbeing coach who is passionate about building diverse career pathways for local artists.What’s inside this episode:The Integrity WheelSinead introduces her powerful metaphor for integrity, comparing it to a spinning wheel where even a small puncture in your honesty or boundaries can impact how you show up in your work.Finding Your ‘True North’Learn how to stop diluting yourself or acting shy to please others, and instead find the courage to show up as your powerful, authentic self.The Magic of CollectivesDrawing inspiration from the Caution Collective, Sinead discusses the beauty of community-centred music and how nurturing young talent creates an organic and magical collaborative environment.Sankofa: Looking Back to Move ForwardSinead shares the moving story behind her latest EP, Sankofa, and how reconnecting with her African Caribbean heritage transformed her music and gave her fire in her belly.The Mechanics of Music MakingA step-by-step look at the collaborative journey of a song, from demos and session musicians to the final shine of mixing and mastering.Guarding Your Creative SpaceWhy filling your own cup through creative wellbeing isn't selfish, but is actually the most generous thing you can do for you and your community.Whether you are a musician or a creative in any discipline, this episode offers a warm and soul-stirring guide to leading with integrity and finding your own individual voice.Join us for a conversation about how looking after your spirit is the key to unlocking your most brilliant art.___For listeners interested in local support, this episode also highlights various Northern music networks and organisations like Launchpad and Music Leeds who support artists take their next professional steps.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Art of Collaboration, a new experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that explores the magic and mechanics of working together in the arts.In this premiere, our hosts Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph are joined by two incredible creative leaders: Lisa Mallaghan (former Executive Director at BPH) and award-winning theatre director Joyce Nga-Yu Lee. Together, they unpack the journey of creating Zara, a collaborative masterpiece and epic outdoor production by Mind the Gap, England’s premier learning disability performance company. This episode was recorded in Spring 2025.View images of this workWhat’s inside this episode:The Big Idea Hear how a wild vision for a giant baby puppet — the size of two double-decker buses — grew from a simple conversation into a £1 million national production.The Mechanics of PitchingLisa and Joyce share valuable insights on how to sell a big idea, from informal office chats to five-minute pitches at national conferences.Scaling UpDiscover how the project evolved over six years through different stages, including forum theatre (Anna), a national touring show (Mia), and finally the large-scale spectacle (Zara).A Village EffortLearn about the village required to bring such a project to life, involving over 400 collaborators, from puppet makers and scientists to community choirs and local councils.Bradford PrideOur guests discuss the enormous investment and creative transformation currently lighting up Bradford, making it one of the most exciting places for artists to work today.Whether you are an emerging artist or a seasoned producer, this episode offers a warm and honest look at the power of persistence, partnership, and inclusive practice.