Consultancy

Areas of Expertise

With a track record as an artist working with technology, as well as a background working in arts development, I can offer expertise to artists and arts organisations across the following areas -

Free Open-Source Software / Low-cost & Recycled Technology

Many artists and arts organisations I have known are struggling to work with outdated or overly complex and expensive technology. Arts organisations teach expensive software to artists and young people who have limited opportunity to further that knowledge. Free open-source alternatives exist to much commercial software - why not find out more about how you can make use of them?

Web Solutions & Internet Strategy

The internet has changed the landscape that we live and work in. An internet strategy is more than your web design. It's how you use the internet to get the right information to the right people, in the most accessible way. Working in a joint initiative with Alun Ward (Eye Division) we can build you a fully customised web solution based on top of Drupal, a leading open-source web platform.

Organisational Development

Whether you're an arts organisation looking to review your overall strategy for the future, or you want to review a specific facet of your organisation, I can offer a wealth of experience in this area.

Customised Technology

I have experience of developing customised software and hardware solutions for performance, and generative and interactive installations. If you're looking for technical guidance or to commission a full technical solution, I may be able to help, or at least point you in the right direction.

Background / Experience

Between 2001 and 2006 I worked part-time as Arts Officer (Strategic Development) for Oxford City Council, prior to which I had been involved in the management of a number of artist-led initiatives. Major areas of work during my time at Oxford City Council included -

  • Development of Oxford's first politically adopted strategic plan for arts development, emphasising the cultural, social and economic importance of the arts.
  • Management of the council's X-change Gallery for 3 years and overseeing its transfer to an independent not-for-profit organisation (OVADA).
  • Initiation of development partnerships with music and visual arts organisations to enhance support for individual practitioners.
  • Working on advisory groups for special events, festivals and public art projects in the city.
  • Overall budget planning, funding assessment and monitoring of an annual budget approaching half a million pounds.

Since 2006, I have provided technical support and sound editing to many individual artists; I have led workshops on open-source software, media editing and copyleft with professional artists and young people; and, I have provided my expertise to a variety of cultural organisations.

Working as OpenEye in a joint initiative with Alun Ward of Eye Division Ltd., we have developed custom web platforms for a variety of cultural sector clients, including Oxfordshire Artweeks, Fusion Arts, GoodNightOut.org, a virtual learning gallery for Waddesdon Secondary School / Creative Junction, and the OxOnArts website and mailing lists for the Oxfordshire Arts Partnership.

If you feel that I may be able to help you, please get in touch via the contact page and we can discuss it.