HOME’s Post

We Need More Curated Experiences At lunch with James Friedman last week, James was reminiscing about an experience he curated for the agency Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners when we worked together- years back. James arranged a day out in SF where we got to meet with artists, musicians, curators and others involved in the cultural scene. He took us kicking and screaming out of sleepy Sausalito and dragged us into the heart of SF culture. You can’t do this from behind the screen. You need to meet people, talk to them and experience their worlds. So the next time someone asks for a perspective on a culture, a demographic, a segment, a scene - don’t share a 159 page deck, instead, take thrm to meet the people and see the places that are shaping the culture. Eyes will be truly opened, hearts will be engaged and ideas will flow. Be more human! For those looking for a carrot to drag people back to the city from their office homes or is it home offices? This could be a way to do it. Give people a reason to gather and clients an opportunity to see and experience culture with you.

🎬 Employment services professionals have a crucial gap in knowledge when it comes to supporting individuals in the arts, according to Work in Culture's 'NAVIGATING A CAREER IN THE ARTS FOR NEWCOMERS' report. What was found? While the GTA's 70+ settlement organizations are immigrants' primary support, they often lack knowledge about arts and culture careers, creating a notable gap in guidance. I agree! Transitioning into Toronto Film School highlighted this disparity for me personally, as my background in employment services was primarily business-oriented, lacking the depth needed to navigate the complexities of the arts industry, particularly when working with newcomers. 💡 To bridge this gap and provide more effective support, here are three essential tips for employment services professionals: 1) Immerse Yourself in the Arts - Attend exhibitions, film screenings, theatre productions, and networking events. Engaging firsthand with artists and industry professionals will deepen your understanding of the field and its unique challenges. 2) Seek Out Arts-Specific Training - Invest in arts-specific training programs or workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills, encourage your colleagues to join too. Look for courses that cover topics such as arts administration, cultural management, and diversity in the arts. 3) Build Partnerships with Arts Organizations - Forge partnerships with local arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community groups. Gain resources and expertise, while forging meaningful connections for your clients within the arts community. Let's work together to ensure that our clients receive the support they need to thrive in the arts industry! 🎨✨ PS. Let me know if you'd like me to share the report! #ArtsCareers #EmploymentServices #DiversityandInclusion #CareerSupport #WorkInCulture

As a faculty member in the Creative and Cultural Industries, I often find myself reassuring parents at University Open Days about the value and potential of our courses. I feel compelled to have this conversation because the UK Creative Industries are often underappreciated and underfunded despite their immense contributions to our economy and global reputation. The Creative Industries are a true success story for the UK, generating significant revenue and serving as a source of inspiration for the rest of the world. However, they rarely receive the celebration and recognition they deserve. Instead, they face minimisation, insufficient funding, and even demonisation from certain sections of the press. This lack of support is not only frustrating but also shortsighted. That's why I'm thrilled to see Creative UK's launch of their "Our Creative Future" manifesto today. This initiative calls for the government to provide the necessary funding and support to recognise the importance and potential of the Creative Industries. Investing in this sector is not just a wise economic decision; it's a no-brainer. The Creative Industries have the power to drive innovation, create fulfilling careers, and contribute to the overall well-being of our society. By nurturing and supporting these industries, we can unlock their full potential and secure a brighter future for our graduates and our nation as a whole. It's time for the next government to acknowledge the value of the Creative Industries and take action to support their growth. Let's hope they seize this opportunity and invest in "Our Creative Future." #CreativeIndustries #OurCreativeFuture #InvestInCreativity #UKEconomy #creativeuk Creative UK

It was awesome to be among 250+ storytellers, marketers and creative professionals representing communities and destinations doing great work at City Nation Place in #Houston this week! In addition to partnering with Patience Fairbrother on a talent attraction roundtable and releasing DCI's Talent Wars report, I left feeling so inspired about place marketing and the work that we do at Development Counsellors International. Here are just a few of my favorite takeaways. #CNPAmericas24 #econdev #destinationmarketing   1️⃣ Your brand is not your logo. You must answer who you are and your brand ethos first. 2️⃣ Slow down and do the research. Know that it takes time to listen to your community, talk with residents, partners and stakeholders, and understand outside perceptions. 3️⃣ Your story must be based on authenticity. Your actions create your narrative. Find authentic creators and storytellers within your community and partner with them. 4️⃣ People support what they co-create. Make sure to involve your stakeholders, community and partners. They will then become your community's best ambassadors and cheerleaders.  5️⃣ Collaboration is worth the effort. Building trust among your community partners takes time. Lean into what you're good at and allow partners to bring their strengths to the table too.

I believe that a HUGE reason for the lack of diversity in the creative industries is a 'discoverability' issue. i.e. only a tiny portion of in-the-know young people are aware of opportunities available (often only accessed through legacy/existing networks), therefore they are the only ones able to get their foot in the door. ------------------------ It's a chronic issue in the creative world that no one talks about. People with the privilege of knowing how to be in the right place at the right time are the only ones who get access. This is the problem we're trying to fix with ERIC. We want to allow EVERYONE to be in-the-know. It won't solve all the problems, but it will make a big dent. I would love to connect with people who support the mission (and those who have a different perspective too!). #creativeindustries #creativecareers #creativeindustry #discoverability

Ha! I procrastinated posting about this yesterday and Drew McManus beat me to it today. I had noticed that job listings often mention the cultural resources of their community. While arts and culture orgs often talk about how their presence helps companies recruit new employees, I never really saw any data to back it up. On a whim, I did a quick search on the Indeed job site for all jobs paying over $100,000 that had been listed in the previous 24 hours. I got about 40-50 results. A good number of them mentioned the cultural resources of their area. What follows is a small sample and the descriptions the companies used to try to attract employees. Link to my full blog post below. This was definitely low hanging fruit because I didn't put much time or effort in. I wonder if anyone has done a more rigorous survey: Connected Health Care, LLC Boise, ID 83726 – Cultural Attractions: Explore Boise’s vibrant arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and music festivals. ilocatum Nixa, MO – The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities….Branson is famous for its live entertainment shows, amusement parks, and picturesque lakes Prestige Care – Creswell Health & Rehab Creswell, OR 97426-Eugene has a dynamic mix of arts and culture, shopping and dining, entertainment and sports. Mission Hospital Asheville, NC 28801 – Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, arts and culture, live music, shopping or fine cuisine, Asheville offers something for everyone! Alaska Regional Hospital, Anchorage, AK 99508 – Located within Denaʼina Ełnena, on the traditional homelands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna the city combines wild Alaska beauty, convenient urban comforts, mesmerizing outdoor spaces, and captivating arts and culture. HCA Florida West Hospital Pensacola, FL 32514 – Pensacola offers 450 years of history, innovative coastal cuisine, art and culture, unique shopping and many festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to art and Mardi Gras. Boasting a thriving arts community, the Pensacola Bay Area is home to the “big five,” including ballet, opera, symphony, theatre and an accredited museum of visual arts. Mercy St. Louis, MO 63128 – The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none Connected Health Care, LLC Indianapolis, IN 46262 Arts & Culture: Immerse yourself in the city’s rich arts scene, from world-class museums to live performances at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Indiana University Health Indianapolis, IN Vibrant downtown offering arts, theaters, world-class museums, zoo, concerts and memorials https://lnkd.in/g8Ve9wFB

In the heart of New York City, where talent and opportunity intersect, choosing the right talent agency becomes a crucial decision for aspiring and established artists alike. This expert guide offers an in-depth look at NYC's finest talent agencies, shedding light on the industry's nuances. It's a journey through the labyrinth of talent representation, where making the right choice can catapult careers to new heights. #advertisingagency #onlinemarketing #onlinestrategy #digitalsales

Imagine this: You walk into Thomond Park, the iconic metal oval building. It is not match day, but there’s a buzz of excitement and a tinge of nerves as you wonder how today will unfold. Three hours later, you step outside transformed. Your group leaves with fresh insights, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding. It’s been an emotional journey, and you can see it in the spark in everyone’s eyes. So, what’s behind this magical shift? Introducing ⭐️ Inclusion Theatre ⭐️, a groundbreaking collaboration between CareerVision, Kennedy Insights, and Theatre at Work. This programme is an immersive theatrical journey that helps leaders explore their personal and organisational journey with inclusion. This isn't another slideshow presentation about inclusion, it's an immersive journey that changes how you see workplace dynamics forever." Professional actors bring to life vivid scenarios that reveal both overt and subtle workplace exclusions. You'll witness scenes that make you shift uncomfortably in your seat, or let out that nervous laugh to break the tension. Then, guided by expert facilitators, you'll unpack these moments, exploring beliefs, biases, and discovering new perspectives—all in a safe space where the stakes are low but the learning runs deep. === Join us as we reshape what inclusive workplaces can be through our new ⭐️ Inclusion Theatre ⭐️ programme. Inclusion Theatre is designed and run collaboratively by CareerVision, Kennedy Insights and Theatre at Work. #InclusionTheatre #Inclusion #RepresentationMatters

Thinking Outside the Book   Last week, we had the incredible opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Edinburgh Festival of Creativity— a four-day celebration of art, Fringe performances, literature, the iconic Tattoo, and more. Eight spectacular Edinburgh events proudly serve up the most incredible smorgasbord of culture you could ever imagine, filling the city's performance venues, event spaces.  Every August, Edinburgh becomes a hub of provocative mind-play, showcasing boundless imagination and the profound value of art in all its forms. The festival's roots trace back to 1947, when it was first held to celebrate peace after World War II, offering residents a chance to look forward and embrace creativity. It's so much important for the nowadays!   This spirit of creativity — developing new ideas and sharing imagination without fear or doubt—holds lessons for many corporations. By embracing this mindset, companies can unlock hidden talents within their teams and combat inertia. In today's VUCA world, channeling resources in this direction can significantly elevate a company's X-factor, positioning it for strong leadership in the long term perspective. https://lnkd.in/eZgCzHfz #creativity

This Independence Day, our office was transformed into a vibrant stage of creativity and unity, and the experience was nothing short of remarkable. As the day unfolded, we began with a burst of artistic energy—our face painting competition. Everyone took a moment from their schedules to engage in a colorful activity that brought out their creative sides. Each painted face told a story, reflecting not just individual artistry but the collective spirit of our team. The real magic, however, began when the office turned into a concert hall. The air was filled with the harmonious notes of our team’s diverse talents. We were treated to moving renditions of patriotic songs that had a deep sense of pride. But the highlight of the day was the blend of melodies that followed—a soulful flute performance that captured hearts, complemented by a guitar solo that resonated through the office. Each note played was a reminder of the unique skills and passions that our team members bring to the table.   For our remote team members, we didn’t forget to include them in the celebration. We organized virtual games that allowed them to join in the fun from afar. This bridged the distance, fostering a sense of inclusion and ensuring everyone could partake in the day’s festivities. These moments were more than just festive events; they were a testament to the strength and cohesion of our team. They illustrated how celebrating our shared values and talents can deepen our connections and reinforce the culture that drives our success. #Ganit #GanitInc #CompanyCulture #TeamUnity #IndependenceDay #EmployeeEngagement