Arts & Culture

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/