Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley at The Art of Mini Golf, BAC (C) Harry Elletson
The last couple of weeks at Collective Wisdom has been full of celebration, from the announcement of literature prize winners to seeing young creatives showcase their talent to the industry. We are also thrilled to be announcing four new associates joining the Collective Wisdom Team, who bring creative communications expertise across audience development, cultural placemaking, visual arts and storytelling.
Phoebe Gardiner is a senior communications consultant specialising in narrative, reputation and audience strategy at the intersection of the creative industries and the built environment. She has worked in-house at Southbank Centre, Arts Council England and Shakespeare’s Globe and advised major clients including Greenwich Peninsula and the City of London. As well as leading record-breaking campaigns for festivals such as Meltdown and WOW – Women of the World, she contributes across the sector, helping shape the inaugural Creative Industries Property Summit, advising on SXSW London’s Place ‘track’, and speaking on communications strategy and cultural placemaking.
Nicki Perrett is a creative, strategic marketing specialist with over 10 years’ experience working with world-renowned cultural institutions, global brands and high-profile charities. Her client list includes Donmar Warehouse, National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, Royal Shakespeare Company and Almeida Theatre, among others. She brings an agile, audience-first approach to every project – from launching festivals and growing audiences from the ground up, to developing brand strategy, content and integrated campaigns.
Florence Ritter-Scott is an independent communications consultant with 15 years’ experience in the visual arts, leading campaigns and advising on strategy across the commercial and non-profit sectors. She took a Director position at a blue chip London gallery for seven years, alongside which she was a part of the founding team of London Gallery Weekend. Previously Director at a prestigious club for collectors, Florence produced a programme of high-level events connecting patrons and collectors to artists and institutions; she has also directed communications campaigns for a range of clients, including British Council, The Hepworth Wakefield, Skartstedt, K11 Art Foundation and Art Brussels art fair.
Sagar Shah is a strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, reputation and media relations specialist with over 15 years’ experience helping cultural organisations, public bodies and creative partnerships navigate complexity, build support and tell compelling stories. His career has spanned the Greater London Authority, Southbank Centre, Battersea Arts Centre and the Barbican, leading communications for major cultural programmes, public realm initiatives and high-profile announcements. His work has included the Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture programme, the Memorial to the Victims of Transatlantic Slavery, Meltdown Festival and the reopening of Battersea Arts Centre’s Grand Hall.
This month saw the announcement of The Orwell Prize winners for Political Writing and Political Fiction. The ceremony was held on Orwell’s birthday, 25th June at The Bloomsbury Theatre within University College London, who are celebrating their Bicentenary this year. Writer and journalist Karen Bartlett took home the prize for Political Writing for her searing chronicle of Afghan women judges under Taliban rule in The Escape From Kabul. American poet and novelist Ben Lerner won the Prize for Political Fiction with his exploration of truth, memory and the politics of the digital age in Transcription. Having briefed for video content with judges of the prizes, content on Instagram saw really strong engagement with reels garnering up to 18.5k views. Coverage included an interview with Political Writing winner Karen Bartlett on Sky News and with Political Fiction writer Ben Lerner in The Telegraph, with news stories across The Guardian, The Independent, The Bookseller, BookBrunch, The Telegraph, and AOL.
The 25th also saw the launch party for the UK premiere of RISING Melbourne’s exhibition The Art of Mini Golf at Battersea Arts Centre. Both an interactive contemporary art exhibition and a playable mini golf course, it features nine interactive golf hole artworks designed by leading woman artists from around the world, and runs from 17 June to 26 July, with artists including Miranda July and a brand-new commission from Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley. Exhibition curator Grace Herbert and featured artist Delaine Le Bas spoke on BBC Radio 4 Women’s Hour, with further coverage including Secret London, The Arts Newspaper, Shortlist, and Time Out.
Client Big Creative Education held their annual showcase this month which was an evening of energy, pride and outstanding creativity. Performances brought together a mix of current students and alumni, with each presenting original work or reimagined pieces that demonstrated skill, confidence and individuality. Held in-house in their 200-seat theatre, it was attended by students’ family and friends, as well as invited industry guests and influencers. Invited TikTok personality Shola West – often dubbed the ‘Big Sis To Young Creatives’ – said, “BCE are known for turning bedroom creatives into success stories, and after seeing the talent display at their showcase, I can definitely see why!”.
This summer, HMS Victory is on display like never before, with rare objects, new views and hands-on activity on offer. This includes the opportunity to see the ship’s battle-damaged Trafalgar Sail from 4 July to 30 September, and Nelson’s silver tableware inside the ship’s Great Cabin from 22 July to 26 August. The displays have gained coverage in Daily Mail with further broadcast coverage to come.
Last but certainly not least, Croydon will come alive this coming weekend with For Miss La La, a spectacular outdoor circus weekend as part of The National Gallery: Art on Your Doorstep, organised by Croydon Council and led by Upswing’s Artistic Director and Creative Director at The Albany, Vicki Dela Amedume MBE. Taking place on 4 and 5 July, the free event celebrates the extraordinary life of Miss La La, the mixed heritage African German aerialist. Through powerful female-led performances, walkabout acts and hands on creative activities, audiences will experience circus in the town centre.
