Arts & Culture

How much does the weather really impact cultural attractions, and how much of that is down to perception? In this episode of The Arts & Culture Podcast, host Tom Dawson explores the growing influence of weather on visitor behaviour, and the increasing role that weather apps play in shaping decision-making across the cultural sector. Tom is joined by: Rob Comley, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Chester Zoo Rebecca Foy, Director of Public Engagement at Bletchley Park Olly Reed, Marketing Director at Navigate. Together, they discuss the campaign calling for changes in how forecasts are presented. A must-listen for anyone navigating performance, audience behaviour, and commercial strategy in today’s cultural landscape. Find out more about the campaign on Chester Zoo's website here The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

The V&A is a stellar brand in the UK cultural sector. So when it opens two new sites in a matter of months in a new part of the capital city, it's a big deal. V&A Storehouse launched last year. On April 18th V&A East Museum will welcome its first visitors. So, what can those first visitors expect? And what major innovations - that have worked well in the first few months of V&A Storehouse -  might  help other venues of all sizes all around the UK? In this fascinating interview, Tim Reeve CBE (Deputy Director & COO, V&A) gives host Tom the inside track including... What they can (and can't) do with the David Bowie archive How the design of V&A East Museum is intended to make the building itself an exhibit in its own right A totally unique approach to front-of-house and security that boosts visitor experience and reduces operational costs How V&A Storehouse has exponentially increased public access to the V&A's collection Why "local first" has been a consistent strategy for all of V&A's new activity in East London The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Judith Owens MBE is Chief Executive of TBL International and one of UK’s the most experienced and established cultural sector professionals. In this special interview recorded at The Cultural Enterprises Conference, she talks to host Tom Dawson about both her personal career story and how she has led Titanic Belfast to become one of of the world's most famous, successful and loved cultural attractions. This insightful discussion includes: The origin story of Titanic Belfast and the difference it has made to the city Why this iconic building and experience keeps winning award after award How an innovative approach has helped manage and motivate a huge multi-cultural staff that spans 5 generations What decision that Judith made still leaves her in cold sweats   The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Tony Butler OBE is Executive Director of Derby Museums and a leading figure in the UK museums sector. In this wide-ranging interview he shares valuable insights on the topics such as:The recent DCMS funding announcement and the opportunities (and questions) it raisesHis verdict on the Hodge reportHow civic museums have had to adapt business models and what the future might holdThe draw of locally known artists and cultural figuresThe difference between entrepreneurialism and "magic thinking"A useful and enlightening listen for anyone involved in the sector, particularly those looking to balance purpose and community-delivery with the ever-changing financial context. The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Wentworth Woodhouse is a vast heritage site in South Yorkshire. It requires restoration that could cost hundreds of millions of pounds and take decades. Located in an economically challenged part of the UK, it receives no public funding... and yet manages to survive and thrive.CEO Sarah McLeod - who grew up in a low income household and firmly believes arts and culture are for everyone - skilfully combines her passion, values and commercial nous to bring stability, progress and success. From investing in re-training heritage crafts, to creating revenue from recycling non-reusable materials from the restoration project itself... this is an organisation that grafts and innovates to stay afloat. And it always stays connected to its local community.In this insightful and inspirational chat with host Tom Dawson, there are vital lessons for anyone in the sector on getting purpose and profitability to work hand in hand to make cultural heritage accessible to all. The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Expert Panel:Catherine Pinkerton, Group Retail Manager, Amgueddfa Cymru | Museums WalesSonia Solicari, Director & CEO, Museum of the HomeErin Thompson, Retail Manager, V&A Dundee The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Couple Alex and Oli fell in love with a 600 year old (and famously wonky) house in Lavenham, Suffolk. They bought it, they live in it... and they've transformed this former tea-room into a commercially-successful and ground-breaking heritage venue harnessing the power of story-telling and immersive experiences.In this episode, host Tom Dawson speaks to Alex and Oli about their story, the lessons they have learned and the unique strategies they use to leave visitors delighted and revenues healthy and growing.Alex and Oli will be guest speakers at the upcoming Cultural Enterprises Conference at ICC Birmingham 9-11 February 2026. Find out more and book your tickets here.To find out more about The Crooked House visit crookedhouselavenham.com The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Expert panel of guests:Jocelyn Burnham - Founder, AI for CultureOwen Hopkin - Director of New Technologies and Innovation, Arts Council EnglandDuncan Mann - Founder and CEO, HoxtonAISean Waterman - Head of Intellectual Property, Naomi Korn AssociatesKey links:Art Council England's Responsible AI Practical ToolkitAI for Culture websiteHoxtonAI websiteNaomi Korn Associates website The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Joining host Tom Dawson are:Lizzie Dunford, Director, Jane Austen's House MuseumSusan Rayner, Head of Commercial & Visitor Experience, Jane Austen's House MuseumDirector Lizzie Dunford and Head of Commercial & Visitor Experience Susan Rayner share how Jane Austen’s House, a small but world-famous museum in rural Hampshire, thrives as a self-funded organisation. They discuss the impact of the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth, their strategy for running at a surplus, and how retail is used not just for income but as a marker of visitor engagement. With a supportive team culture, creative programming, and a global fanbase, the museum delivers once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors while planning strategically for a sustainable future.  There are important lessons and helpful advice here for cultural and heritage venues of all sizes who would also love to grab opportunities with positivity and an innovative outlook. The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Richard Morsley is the CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. It's a vast site with a unique history. Although no longer in active service, this heritage site has managed to embrace its challenges (a vast footprint containing many unique buildings in need of preservation) and turned them into commercial opportunities. For example, its iconic rope-making facility, which not only keeps a local craft alive... but also provides sellable products that end up everywhere from movie sets to gyms.In this episode Richard shares his advice on building a multi-revenue stream model, harnessing enterprise opportunities from property to filming locations and TV fan tours to partnerships with outside IP like Lego. The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

With the school summer holidays just weeks away, parts of the country where visitor numbers are massively seasonal are preparing themselves for the most important time of their commercial year. Cornwall is remote and experiences vast seasonality in visitor numbers... yet it has a vibrant cultural enterprise scene and boasts some of the UK's most iconic attractions.Two Cornwall experts join host Tom Dawson to reveal lessons, insights and inspiration that will be useful to anyone involved in the operation, marketing and financial health of cultural venues readying themselves for the summer season.Guests:Zoë Curnow - formerly Executive Director Minack Theatre, now Head of Operations, St Michael's MountJulia Twomlow - Creative Director and CEO, PK Porthcurno  The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

How can cultural venues best serve the increasingly important families market? What are examples of current best practice? Where are the challenges and opportunities? What trends are emerging that organisations should be aware of and adapt to? Host Tom Dawson gathers an expert panel to address all these questions and more:Amy Akino-Wittering, Head of Operations & Commercial, Young V&AAlison Bowyer, CEO, Kids in MuseumsCaroline Jones, CEO & Director, Story Museum The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Many cultural organisations and venues still need to improve how different parts of the organisations understand each other and work together. When collaboration happens well, stories from all teams can be harnessed by Marketing to bring both commercial benefits and progress on overall purpose and mission. This episode's expert panel explains how to break down silos and do collaboration well - especially between Marketing and Commercial.Expert Panel:Caroline Reid, Director of Commercial Enterprises, National Trust for ScotlandLucy Paul, Marketing Executive, National Trust for ScotlandAbbigail Ollive, Visitor Attraction Director, Castle HowardFrankie Wakefield, Deputy Head of Marketing, Shakespeare's Globe***Please take our survey to help us shape the podcast:www.artsandculturepodcast.com The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

This episode features an expert panel discussing the issue of corporate partnerships. With state funding decreasing, could partnering with big commercial organisations be a timely opportunity? What happens in other countries and are there lessons that can be learned? Things like naming rights can cause concern in the sector, but done properly could they unlock mutually beneficial relationships?Host Tom Dawson chairs a panel with a breadth of knowledge, experience and insights:Martin Prendergast, Martin Prendergast Communications, formerly Director of Development & Public Affairs at RADA, and Director of Communications/Deputy Director of Development at National TheatreCécile de Cormis, Cormis Consulting, formerly Head of Corporate Development at TateJoseph Galliano-Doig MBE, Co-founder and Director Emeritus, Queer BritainWith finances tighter than ever, this episode is a must-listen for cultural and arts professionals and organisations of all sizes to make sure they are informed about new commercial opportunities. The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Joe Hill is the Director and CEO of Towner Eastbourne, a museum, gallery and community venue which hosted the Turner Prize in 2023. Gyr King is a Trustee of Towner and also the CEO and Founder of King & McGaw, the state-of-the-art printing and framing company (which also supports this podcast).In this wide-ranging conversation, Joe, Gyr and host Tom Dawson explore the current complex landscape in which cultural attractions exist. Drawing on Towner's experience of hosting the Turner Prize and using examples such as Black Robin Farm (a new world-class culture and education centre in the unique landscape of the South Downs National Park), Joe and Gyr outline their insights, lessons learnt and hopes for the future.With cultural venues increasingly depended upon as community hubs and resources and yet existing in an uncertain funding landscape... what emerges from this discussion is the beginning of a new model. One that makes the case for informed and targeted support and action from local and national government, but prioritises an entrepreneurial outlook to respond to future challenges and opportunities, financial and otherwise.As the Arts and Culture scene constantly evolves, this episode gives anyone in the sector the chance to sit at the table for an engaging, enlightening and bang up-to-date conversation between three industry experts.For more information about Towner Eastbourne, visit townereastbourne.org.ukTo discover King & McGaw's fine art prints and many other services, visit kingandmcgaw.com The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich has a rich history, serving many vital purposes over the centuries. Now it is a large multi-use site and attraction that has to harness the opportunities of today (like being a very in-demand filming location) to maintain and tell the story of buildings steeped in heritage.Host Tom speaks to Kate Miners (Director of Public Engagement & Commercial) about the approach they have learned works here - being open to filming as an audience access point as well as a financial necessity, encouraging interaction and play by visitors and not being afraid to blend old and new to find new audiences and commercial opportunities.To find out more about the Old Royal Naval College, visit ornc.org The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most well-known buildings in the world. It has a rich history and serves many varied purposes, from Royal services to a place of sanctuary and a highly prioritised destination for international tourists. In this episode, host Tom Dawson speaks to St. Paul's Director of Visitor Experience, Sandra Lynes Timbrell.After a tour of the building, Tom and Sandra settle in the Chapter House - where most of the offices that run St. Paul's are located - to discuss everything there is to know about the operation behind this iconic landmark.They discuss a huge variety of subjects... from the unique management structure of St. Paul's (which combines religious and business inputs), to the re-shaping of the international tourist market post-COVID. A key theme that shines through is Sandra's focus on innovation and a can-do attitude to embracing new commercial opportunities.There are useful lessons and insights here for anyone working with a variety of stakeholders and trying to take an enterprising approach to opening up new revenue streams. The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Introduction Article: Trapped in Survival Mode: Can we imagine it different? By Moira Sinclair, Chair of Clore LeadershipClore Leadership's World of Work websiteImagine it Different reportReframing the World of Work report The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Dynamic pricing has been making headlines for the wrong reasons with the recent release of Oasis tickets. Before that, Taylor Swift was breaking records in terms of ticket prices. It's a good time to talk ticketing.In this episode we discuss everything from what dynamic pricing actually is (and isn't)... to upselling, audience perception, value-adding, demand management, potential new legislation, paths to membership and keeping arts and culture accessible to all.Host Tom Dawson assembles 5 industry experts (two stand-alone interviews and one panel discussion) to make sure all angles are covered.Interviews: Robin Cantrill-Fenwick (CEO, Baker Richards)Ian Nuttal (TheStadiumBusiness / TheTicketingBusiness)Panel:Abbi Olive (Castle Howard Estate Ltd)Charlie McKenzie (Brighton & Hove Museums)Matt Thorley (Tate)   The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Head of Commercial Development Conall Borowski introduces host Tom Dawson to Little Angel's resourceful and strategic way of operating commercially and creatively.From a unique birthday party product developed during the pandemic, to insightful thoughts on how best to use staff and freelancers, this conversation is full of considered strategy and useful approaches honed through the need to be creative to thrive commercially.Find out more about Little Angel Theatre here:littleangeltheatre.com The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

In this episode, Tom Dawson, Director of Digital at the Association for Cultural Enterprises, interviews Stephen Preston, Deputy Head of Heritage and Culture at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.Celebrating the cathedral's 900th anniversary, they discuss the cathedral's importance to the city, and how it manages challenges both ancient and modern. They explore various topics including the cathedral's architectural changes, its use as a filming location for major films like Avengers Infinity War, the impact of the Edinburgh Fringe, why people flock to see a sculpture no bigger than a phone, and its role during Queen Elizabeth's lying in state. Stephen shares his journey from tour guide to his current position and provides insights into the cathedral's efforts to engage visitors through digital initiatives and interactive exhibits. They also discuss the complexities of managing a historic site that serves multiple purposes, balancing being a place of worship, a cultural landmark, and hosting art exhibitions and blockbuster films.Build St Giles' interactive game: stgilescathedral.org.uk/buildFind out more about the Association: culturalenterprises.org.ukThis episode is sponsored by King & McGaw, the market leader in print on demand framed and unframed prints. King & McGaw, proudly supplying the cultural sector for over forty years.  The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

This episode features highlights from:Maximising Visitor Experience (with Rachel Mackay at Hampton Court Palace)Small Museum Big Impact (with Steve Gardam at the Roald Dahl Museum)Starting From Scratch (with Amy Akino-Wittering at Young V&A)Preserving A National Treasure (with Rebecca Hossain at Sir John Soane's Museum)Local Government Arts Funding Crisis (with Stephanie Sirr, Zak Mensah and Cllr Liz Green)Innovating & Disrupting (with Florence Schechter at The Vagina Museum)Toward a Thriving Cultural Sector (with Melanie Lewis, Chair of the Association for Cultural Enterprises)Visitor Behaviour (with Liza Leonard, Dean Graham & James Duckworth)How To Strategise Long-Term (with Paul Gray, The National Gallery)We will back in early September with a brand new episode. The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

The National Gallery is one of the highest profile cultural venues in the UK, with a commanding location in London's Trafalgar Square. It's just turned 200 years old, a sign of its importance to national heritage and identity... and a chance for it to celebrate with a national on-the-road outreach programme and a series of capital works that will update and improve key parts of its offer to the public. Under the umbrella of NG200, it's an ambitious set of activities that is delivering real impact now and will also shape the gallery's future in the years ahead. In this wide-ranging interview with host Tom Dawson, Paul Gray (Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer of The National Gallery) gives great insights into how to look at the bigger picture and make good decisions for the future. From climate change, to talent retention, immersive experiences to food and beverages... Paul has a real skill for pulling everything together and encouraging it all to go in the right direction. This is a precious ability in the cultural sector, and there are brilliant lessons and experiences for all listeners to learn from, whatever their role in the sector.To find out more about The National Gallery and NG200, visit nationalgallery.org.uk The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

There is both survey-based and anecdotal evidence to suggest that visitors to arts and cultural venues such as theatres, museums, galleries and heritage sites behave in a different way than they did, say, 20 years ago. The  pandemic may have played a part and some people point to the rise of smartphones and social media. What's really happening and what are the explanations and implications?In this episode, host Tom Dawson gathers a panel of visitor experience experts to get their thoughts... and the resulting discussion reveals real and significant evolution in the expectations, attitudes and actions of visitors. There are challenges and opportunities... and bizarre tales involving everything from misbehaving ducks to the unexpected removal of garments. This is a must-listen conversation about a live subject in the arts and cultural sector.Panellists:Liza Leonard (Manchester Art Gallery)Dean Graham (Leeds Castle)James Duckworth (Shakespeare North Playhouse) The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Melanie Lewis is the new Chair of Trustees for the Association for Cultural Enterprises. She has a brilliant track record within the sector, being named as one of The Stage 100’s Most Influential People of 2024.With Melanie as CEO, Shakespeare North Playhouse has flourished as a hub for creativity, innovation, and community engagement. Her strategic vision has not only elevated the artistic excellence of the theatre but has also fostered a vibrant and inclusive cultural space that resonates with audiences far and wide. Plus the venue's success and its community focus has brought commercial benefits to Prescot's High Street.In this interview - recorded at ICC Wales where the Association for Cultural Enterprises hosted their 2024 annual conference - Mel and host Tom Dawson map out a future for the cultural sector. What will be the biggest challenges? How can the sector react, adapt and thrive?Mel is a positive and purposeful voice and this episode is full of useful insights and strategic vision that can help people and organisations at all levels within the cultural sector build towards a vibrant and prosperous future.This episode is sponsored by King & McGaw, the market leader in print on demand framed and unframed prints. King & McGaw, proudly supplying the cultural sector for over forty years.  The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

When Florence Schechter looked for a Vagina Museum to help her answer a research question... and found there wasn't one (even though there was a Penis Museum) she decided to make one herself. She had a great idea, an engaged audience and powerful purpose, but she found apathy and a lack of meaningful support from the established existing museum sector.Undeterred, Florence found a way. By harnessing the power of data, pop-ups (with strategic purpose, not just for the sake of it) and an innovative mix of revenue streams, the Vagina Museum has gone from strength to strength. Now located in a unique railway-arch setting in Bethnal Green, The Vagina Museum is admired for its innovative and disruptive approach. It also has a vast young following that many other museums can only dream of engaging. In this episode, host Tom Dawson visits the museum and asks Florence to share her insights, which are honest, powerful and passionate. There is so much fire and inspiration here for anyone who has a new idea  that they really believe in. Florence challenges the concept of what a museum is or should be and questions the need for a collection. She gives great advice on harnessing social media and looking beyond predictable sources of funding. There are also brilliant pointers for any cultural organisations looking to better harness the commercial power of retail and events.At the heart of it all is The Vagina Museum's consistent and clear mission to communicate that the gynaecological anatomy is a part of the body that we shouldn't be ashamed of... but we should celebrate.(Please note that this episode contains very strong language.)To find out more about The Vagina Museum, go to vaginamuseum.co.uk The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

The country-wide economic squeeze has hit the arts and culture sector hard. Local governments -  under pressure to save money - are making cuts to their support for local arts organisations, sometimes removing funding completely.Why are we in this situation and what can be done to make positive progress?Host Tom Dawson is joined by three expert guests to understand the context and try to come up with some answers:Stephanie Sirr - CEO of Nottingham Playhouse and  Co-President of UK TheatreZak Mensah - Co-CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust and a Trustee of Cultural EnterprisesCllr Liz Green - Chair of the Local Government Association's Culture, Tourism and Sport board and Councillor, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames   The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Sir John Soane was one of the world's most famous neo-classical architects. He built and lived in a house in London which, when he died, he left to the nation. The result is a house museum that has National Museum status and - according to the terms in Sir John's will - has been kept as it was at the time of his death in 1837. Rebecca Hossain is  Director of Commercial and Operations.The museum displays Soane's collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models, paintings – including work by Hogarth, Turner and Canaletto  – and over 30,000 architectural drawings. It’s a vast, extraordinary collection, full of curiosities and surprises.In this episode of 'Arts & Culture', host Tom Dawson visits the museum and speaks to Rebecca Hossain about the unique challenges and opportunities that a house museum like this presents. We find out why red wine is forbidden at functions, why there are no labels or signs in the museum... and how a crucial decision made during lockdown has opened up the museum to a whole new generation of visitors.There are also brilliant insights into strategising decades ahead and how the physical nature of a museum presents a unique chance to build loyalty and camaraderie amongst its staff.For more information on the museum, visit soane.org The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Young V&A is a museum for children and young people. It's located on the site of the former Museum of Childhood but re-launched  under a new brand and with a complete re-imagining in July 2023.Amy Akino-Wittering (Head of Operations and Commercial at Young V&A) runs the day-to-day operation of the museum and played a key leadership role in its planning, design and launch. In this episode she shares with host Tom Dawson her learnings of "starting from scratch" with a new museum concept, plus gives insights from her career in the arts and culture sector.There are really useful lessons here in prioritisation and vision - when you start with nothing but a blank page, what are the pillars that you build around? Amy also gives great direction in the crucial area of team management - how do you create the best platform for your staff to shine and, in turn, provide a great experience for visitors?Children and young people are a notoriously hard audience to really serve well - it's easy to miss the mark. Amy gives great advice about observing and adapting. Plus, Amy's passion for constant improvement (through gathering feedback from the team members on the floor) really shines through.Find out more about Young V&A here:https://www.vam.ac.uk/young The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

The Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre is a tiny site... with a big name above the door. Roald Dahl is one of the world's most famous authors and his stories and characters have inspired generations of children and adults alike. Museum Director Steve Gardam shows Tom Dawson (Association For Cultural Enterprises) around, then explains how physical size does not have to be a limitation on the vision of a museum.This fascinating interview features useful insights into strategy, long-term thinking and clarity of purpose. There are also valuable lessons around community, commercial pragmatism and leadership.There are plenty of small cultural enterprises around the UK. This episode shares how great things can be achieved by any scale of operation. The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Rachel Mackay is Head of Hampton Court Palace - an incredible job title with a fantastic bonus included... she gets to live in a Royal Palace. It's not quite as fairytale glamorous as it sounds, but the role, and the Palace itself, provide Rachel with one of the most intriguing and rewarding roles within the cultural sector. What better place and person to start this new podcast from the Association for Cultural Enterprises?The aim of this podcast is to discover, highlight and share best practice, innovation and insights from the galleries, museums and heritage sites that make up the UK's rich and varied cultural sector. How can cultural enterprises delight the public and also be financially sustainable? This podcast will find out and share the knowledge for everyone's benefit.In this fascinating first episode, host Tom Dykes joins Rachel for a quick tour of Hampton Court before settling in her historic (every room has a story here) office to discuss everything from dealing with Royals, to roasting beef in original Tudor kitchens... from the latest theories on maximising visitor experience, to balancing revenue and disruption when it comes to granting filming licences.The 'Arts & Culture' podcast publishes a new episode every month. Please subscribe to never miss an episode, leave a review to support the podcast and do spread the word far and wide.For more information on Hampton Court - https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/#gs.6b9zzwRachel's book about Visitor Experience - https://facetpublishing.co.uk/page/detail/?K=9781783305490   The podcast for the Cultural Sector.The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites. Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises.https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/

Tom Dykes from The Association for Cultural Enterprises welcomes you to a new podcast - Arts & Culture. Coming soon... The podcast for the Cultural Sector. The Arts & Culture podcast delivers best-in-class thought leadership, with industry heavy hitters and crucial sector-defining topics, going behind the scenes at the UK's museums, galleries and heritage sites.  Host Tom Dawson is COO for the Association for Cultural Enterprises. https://culturalenterprises.org.uk/