Extraordinary Creatives

Ceri interviews Gavin Wade, the visionary artist curator behind Eastside Projects and Senior Research Fellow at Birmingham City University. From his early love of comics to founding one of the UK's most innovative art spaces, Gavin talks to Ceri about transforming the art world through collaborative practices. His story of creating a new kind of gallery space, winning a £120 million market redevelopment project, and maintaining artistic integrity while pushing boundaries is both inspiring and practical for anyone interested in making their creative mark. KEY TAKEAWAYS Gavin's approach to artist collaboration shows how repeated engagements over time create deeper, more meaningful projects - rather than rushing one off exhibitions, he builds lasting relationships that allow ideas to naturally evolve into innovative work. Through establishing Eastside Projects, Gavin demonstrated how to create a new kind of art space by selectively adopting elements from commercial galleries, museums and artist run spaces while rejecting conventional limitations. His early immersion in comics and DIY culture shaped his understanding of self publishing and community building, providing foundational principles that continue to influence his approach to art making and curation. Gavin's success with Eastside Projects stems from his ability to balance ambitious international programming with local artist development, he recognised that both elements are essential for meaningful impact. His revolutionary perspective on gallery spaces rejects the notion of neutral containers, instead treating them as living artworks that continuously evolve through each exhibition and intervention. Gavin built his confidence in the art world through consistent action. Each successfully organised show and new connection strengthened his position and opened up fresh opportunities. His involvement in the Smithfield Market project demonstrates how artists can meaningfully influence city development when they're involved in early planning stages rather than being brought in as an afterthought. Gavin maintains creative sustainability through clear boundaries - implementing regular working hours, extending installation periods, and prioritising family time, proving that balance enhances rather than diminishes artistic output. BEST MOMENTS "As soon as I was on my degree, I just thought, well, I'm an artist, I might not be as good yet, but I'm trying." "There is no such thing as an individual artwork. There is always a relationship between the artwork and its environment and other artworks and other things that have appeared in that space in the past or will appear in the future." "I didn't even know what a sculptor was particularly at that point. There was a little bit of modelling, like clay modelling and stuff, which felt a little bit boring, like I could do it, but it wasn't that exciting." "The art world is about supporting artists and careers and trying to come up with ideas, but to do it, it needs to reinforce societal status quos that are very aristocratic." EPISODE RESOURCES Artist Links: Eastside Projects, Birmingham https://eastsideprojects.org/ Instagram: @eprjcts Gavin Wade  Instagram: @gavin_wade_ PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Technology meets art as Ceri is joined by Mexican-Canadian media artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, whose works are in collections worldwide such as MoMA, Guggenheim, TATE, Reina Sofía, and Hirshhorn. He shares his journey from nightclub owner's son to internationally acclaimed artist and how it shaped his unique approach to creating participatory experiences. From transforming the US-Mexico border to making climate change audible through 481 speakers, Rafael gives his thoughts about managing ADHD, building a successful studio, and the delicate balance of working with major brands while maintaining artistic integrity. KEY TAKEAWAYS Early exposure to nightclub culture and theatrical environments influenced Rafael's approach to creating participatory art installations that come alive only when people engage with them. The democratisation of technology has transformed media art from being institution dependent to being more accessible, leading to an explosion of digital creation worldwide. Managing ADHD has been both a challenge and an asset for Rafael; he credits his condition for helping him work under pressure and maintain the necessary denial to tackle seemingly impossible projects. The artist's studio operates like a theatrical production, with Rafael as director rather than a solitary creator, involving specialists from 10 different countries. Environmental consciousness has become central to his practice, including scientific collaboration to minimise the impact on migratory birds and transition to more sustainable technologies. Rafael uses three key filters for project selection: intellectual/philosophical interest, time investment required, and economics, maintaining about 20% of work as non-profit. The relationship between art and corporate sponsorship requires careful navigation to maintain artistic legitimacy while ensuring financial sustainability. Art institutions face a tension between meaningful engagement with digital art and the temptation to use technology merely for spectacle and attendance numbers. BEST MOMENTS  "My talent is more in getting teams together. And there is a name for this, it's like a theatrical director... there's still a vision, it's the director's vision, that is followed." "Ultimately what I'm interested in art is in creating a good party, it is only when people come in that the party really begins, it really is dependent on participation." "I got off of Ritalin so that I could continue a life of denial because it's the only way to lie to yourself that these things can actually be accomplished." "I am not interested in growth. I want de-growth...I don't want to become a massive company, but what I do want is not to grow in personnel or space. I want to grow in time." "The genius artist who did something and then out of this one idea created a career doesn't exist. It's the perseverance." "You'll never be satisfied. You'll always think that the next artwork is better than anything you've done in the past." EPISODE RESOURCES @lozanohemmer https://www.lozano-hemmer.com/ PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri is joined by Marine Tanguy, the pioneering founder of MTArt Agency. From managing a gallery at 21 to founding the art world's first talent agency at 25, Marine shares her journey of revolutionising how artists are represented and supported. Ceri and Marine talk about building resilience, visual literacy, and creating new opportunities for artists. Marine also opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including a public hate campaign while pregnant, and shares her innovative approach to artist representation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Marine built MTArt Agency on a philosophical foundation first, establishing clear manifestos about the future relationship with the arts and the alignment of medium and concept before focusing on business applications At 25, Marine created a new business model in the art world by shifting focus from gallery spaces to a service based agency, enabling broader opportunities for artists beyond traditional art sales Marine's experience of managing a hate campaign while pregnant led her to find strength in ballet, demonstrating how physical practice can help manage the mental challenges of leadership Coming from a teaching family background, Marine approached her financial education systematically, surrounding herself with knowledgeable investors who could contribute expertise beyond just funding Marine's approach to talent spotting comes from genuine enthusiasm - she describes herself as someone who rushes back to the office excited to champion new artists she's discovered and thinks that much of the art world today is lacking this type of enthusiasm. As one of the first B Corp certified companies in the art world, Marine used this framework to create measurable accountability in an industry that traditionally lacks formal regulation. Despite managing 50 artists and over 300 projects, Marine maintains a "log in, log out" approach to social media. Marine's company has grown to a £35 million valuation by creating opportunities across multiple sectors from public art to brand partnerships, whilst many more traditional galleries are struggling in the current market. BEST MOMENTS "We are in the art world where being enthusiastic is something that's actually quite rare. It's seen as either quite young or naive or too keen to a degree. But I love my enthusiasm." "The traditional way is really being challenged as we speak." "I haven't studied finance, but I was aware it was something that therefore I was not knowledgeable in, so I made a point of becoming knowledgeable in it." "I think realistically with talent, it's really a balance of hard work, ethics and research, but it's also a question of talent." "You just know when an entrepreneur walk into a room versus someone that has put a deck together with a few clever facts versus someone that has really walked in and you know that they can deliver what they're saying." "Making sure that they diversify, that they reach out as much to public art commissioners, to brands, to digital partners, like they really think outside the box." "Ballet is also muting your brain for an hour and a half, which is really good for your anxiety." EPISODE RESOURCES Marine is represented by United Talent Agency for her writing and TV career. Instagram: @marinetanguyart PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri explores the world of digital art and creative leadership with Tom Higham, Creative Director and founder of Mediale. Tom shares his knowledge and experience, from film festivals to cutting-edge digital projects, and gives his thoughts on artist development, community engagement, and the challenges of running a creative organisation. Ceri and Tom also talk about personal health, leadership styles, and share their visions for the future of arts and technology. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tom's career highlights the importance of networking and seizing opportunities in the arts, from volunteering to leadership roles. Effective creative leadership involves balancing artistic vision with practical considerations like funding, stakeholder management, and team dynamics. Community engagement in arts projects requires a genuine interest in people's stories and a collaborative approach between artists and local groups. The digital art sector is very international, presenting both opportunities and challenges for UK based organisations and artists. Successful arts organisations need to adapt their leadership and project approaches based on the specific context and scale of each initiative. Tom stresses the importance of clear communication and boundary setting in leadership, while maintaining flexibility and empathy to be successful. Personal health management, including addressing invisible disabilities is essential in sustainable creative leadership. The arts sector should critically examine the impact and sustainability of large scale cultural events versus ongoing, community focused initiatives and what they can alternatively offer. BEST MOMENTS  "I always found I would tend to let the work expand to fill the time I give it." "Talking, communicating to different people outside of your inner sphere is quite a skill and there aren't that many people in the arts who do that well, I don't think." "You have to build the trust to be able to take that risk, I think that's really important, but also to build that trust, you have to tell a compelling story." "The hardest stuff about being an arts leader is probably, I'm imagining, similar to the hardest stuff about being a leader in the energy sector or in the retail sector. It's people." "I think you've clearly done so well over your career is actually that trust and that deep love that you have for the artists and their idea, but then finding the language and the synergy, those kinds of moments of alignment with somebody else." "Clarity is kindness, you know, and sometimes that means even if you're saying clearly, actually, no, that doesn't work for me, it actually helps people to understand and take action accordingly." "I would suggest to artists that you have to figure out what you want to pursue and figure out how to talk about it." EPISODE RESOURCES Connect with Tom Higham: Instagram: @tomhigham14 LinkedIn: Tom Higham Website: tomhigham.net For more information about his work with Mediale, visit mediale.org.uk or follow @mediale_uk on Instagram. PODCAST HOST BIO With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today!  https://cerihand.com/membership/  **** Build Relationships The Easy WayOur self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/**** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.