Just now I'm working as...
Evaluation Consultant: New North and South
New North and South is a new network of eleven arts organisations from across the North of England and South Asia working together for a three year programme of co-commissions, exhibitions and intellectual exchange to celebrate shared heritage across continents and develop artistic talent. The network consists of Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth, Manchester Museum, Museum of Science and Industry Manchester, Liverpool Biennial, The Tetley in Leeds and Colombo Biennale (Sri Lanka), Dhaka Art Summit (Bangladesh), Karachi and Lahore Biennales (Pakistan), Kochi-Muziris Biennale (India) and the British Council. As evaluation consultant I'll be working with the project's director, audiences researcher, curators and artists to find out what the impact of the network and it's development is on each of the organisations, and the arts and curatorial practice of those involved. I'll also be looking at how the programme builds relationships with local audiences, and how effective the programme has been in establishing long lasting relationships with local South Asian populations and partners.
Image: Neha Choksi Untitled, 2017 (production still) Courtesy the artist and Project 88
Image: Neha Choksi Untitled, 2017 (production still) Courtesy the artist and Project 88
Association of Independent Museums Organisational Change Enabler & Heritage Lottery Fund Resilient Heritage Mentor
As an AIM trained Museums Enabler, and a Heritage Lottery Fund appointed mentor for resilient heritage developments, I help heritage organisations look at their organisation and how to take it forward into a new political, economic and public landscape. This happens by challenging, advising, facilitating and supporting senior leadership and governance groups in thinking differently and improving their vision, structures and approaches to be more ready for a new climate. This might mean for example, reshaping governance structures or procedures; recruiting and managing specialist consultants or other providers; exploring new income generation potential; changing business models; and being up to date with legislative requirements. This builds on previous work as a social impact evaluator, coach, mentor, critical friend, charity trustee, fundraiser, Arts Council Resilient Museum Consultant; as well as 20+ years working in heritage and other sectors using mixed-economy models.
John Rylands Library: Evaluation Strategy Consultant
John Rylands Library is an architecturally unique working public and university library in the heart of Manchester. Following a series of audience research projects, the increasing need to understand impact and manage resources effectively, play its part in helping the university reach its strategic goals, and support academics and researchers report on the impact of their library related work to funders, Marketing and Visitor Engagement teams identified the need to consolidate, prioritise and streamline their approach to evaluation. They requested guidance in understanding what needs to be measured, why and how - particularly with regards to qualitative visitor evaluation and how the work of the library contributes to major impact agendas for Manchester and the higher education sector. I'm working with them to create a clear, useful and practical strategy and framework; to better understand the process so that they can continue to adapt it in the future; to choose the right tools, methods and questions; and to form new cross-departmental agreed approaches.
National Heritage Training Group: Skills for the Future Evaluator
The National Heritage Training Group are delivering a Heritage Lottery Fund Skills for the Future programme, training people in traditional building skills which will help preserve the historic buildings and structures of the UK. Some will take part in short courses, while others will take up placements of up to a year and most will complete qualifications throughout their involvement. The evaluation will explore the processes and outcomes of the programme, across the trainees, those taking up placements, the companies who offer and host the placements, a group of mentors guiding the participants through the programme, and the project management team.
