What does an arts producer do?

The magic of many public realm projects is that no one invitation, place, partner, artist, collaboration or funding approach is ever the same. Working as a freelance Producer demands the ability to morph and respond, to throw out the handbook and imaginatively create bespoke experiences that are grown specifically from each brief and project ambition. The ability to listen, to assess and identify what an idea or project may really need to make it a success, whether before, during, or after it’s lift-off is a sign of a skilled Producer. Across her career she has worked with many respected contemporary artists, including Katie Paterson, Theaster Gates, Myriam Lefkowitz and Mark Wallinger. 

Services include – 

• Artist research & recruitment (writing of briefs, management of the artist selection process);
• Fundraising, high level budget management & project development;
• Development & negotiation of artists contracts;
• Producing services, including client & artist liaison; 
• Arts – led community engagement & creative consultation;
• Project monitoring & evaluation;
• Stakeholder management across a wide range of clients including developers, architects, local authorities, educational establishments, communities, artists and cultural organisations;
• Press & marketing expertise;

Georgina is always looking for new collaborations, conversations and challenges across the non-for-profit and commercial sectors. She believes the most exciting things happen when unpredictable partnerships are forged and is passionate about supporting cross-sector collaborations that hold culture at their heart. 

Case study

Cultural Strategy and Policy Development

As a Creative Consultant Georgina has extensive experience in strategic work, advising on Cultural Strategies and Policy development for local authorities, as well as writing Public Art Plans, Manifestos and creative, meaningful approaches to community engagement.

Georgina has a strong knowledge of the national planning policy framework in the UK and detailed knowledge of Local Authority policies in Bristol and the South West that create and support opportunities for imaginative placemaking.

Presentations, Lectures & Panel Discussions

Georgina is passionate about communicating the value and impact that creative projects can have on people and place through presentations, lecturing and educational sessions, sharing her specialist experience of public realm producing and curation more widely. 

Whilst part of the creative team at the world renowned Public Art Producers Situations, in 2014-15 she managed an 18-month national programme of talks, films, publications and workshops titled Public Art (Now)  – a cross-sector educational programme dedicated to showcasing internationally significant new forms of public art practice. 

Georgina is an Associate Lecturer on University of West of England’s MA/MFA Curating course, where, as a practicing Producer in industry, she regularly teaches students modules on Producing practice, Engaging Visitors and Reimagining Histories. Georgina is also a very proud Trustee of socially engaged arts organisation Terrestrial UK and a member of the Design West Review Panel, contributing to design led discussions around culture’s role in placemaking in the South West. 

Recent events include:

• Gothenburg City Triennial, Public Art Presenation, Göteborgs Stadsbibliotek, September 2018
• Futurville Summit, exploring the complex relationship between artists, creative communities, urban regeneration and cultural policies, Artspace Lifespace, Ashton Court Mansion, October 2019
• Sculpture in the City, Autumn Art Lecture Series, Georgina Bolton in conversation with artist Luke Jerram, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, October 2019
• Spirit and Art, Public Art as (Sacred) Experience, UHBristolArts, November 2019
  
• Contemporary Public Art in the Urban Landscape, British Art Network and Contemporary Art Society joint seminar, Tate Modern, February 2020
  
• Art & Design in the Public Realm – Essential or extravagance? Ing Media (online panel), September 2020. Watch here.
  

Please get in touch with Georgina direct if you would like to discuss an opportunity or invitation.

Bespoke Mentoring Packages for Artists, Organisations, Private & Public Sector Clients

Georgina is committed to sector skills development and creates bespoke mentoring packages that provide support and guidance for best practice working from all angles. As a Producer she is dedicated to supporting organisations and individuals to create the conditions that will enable their projects and personal practices to thrive. 

Are you an Artist or a Producer who would like bespoke support to develop and hone your practice in the public realm? 

Are you Cultural Organisation, Local Authority or Private Sector Developer who would like support and guidance on best practice working with Artists and Producers in the public realm?

Services are bespoke but can include the following –

• Guidance on artist contract templates, best practice procurement & payment schedules;
• Project management reviews & methods;
• Website and communications, copywriting, language & target audience;
• Pitches, briefs, concept development & fundraising;
• Complex stakeholder working, expectation management, roles & responsibilities.

Please note that these services can be carried out remotely using digital platforms.