Ceri Hand interviews Keri Elmsly, the Executive Director of Programming at ACMI (Australia's national museum of screen culture). Keri takes us on her remarkable journey from the underground London rave scene to staging groundbreaking immersive art experiences worldwide. She shares insights from working with pioneering artists like UVA, Mira Calix, and Memo Akten to reshape cultural institutions. Together, they explore Keri's approach to fostering ambitious collaborative artworks, from aligning infrastructure to handle complex projects to ensuring artists are properly compensated. Keri offers invaluable advice for creative professionals and shares her extensive knowledge and experience in this episode. KEY TAKEAWAYS Keri was drawn in by the vibrant DIY creative ethos of the 90s underground rave scene in London, learning the power of transformative collective experiences. She observed that artists who kept up consistent creative practice no matter their environment produced the strongest, most refined work. As a producer, Keri sees her role as the "hero" for the artist - achieving the impossible together, not just facilitating. When commissioning artists in her experience, paying them to prototype ambitious ideas leads to the best outcomes. Keri believes cultural institutions like museums must become more invitational and move at the speed of contemporary culture to stay relevant. For museums, she feels improving organisational infrastructure is crucial so operations don't paralyse programming ambition and flexibility. Keri encourages creatives to remember they likely have more supporters and backers than they realise and to simply reach out and connect. BEST MOMENTS "I left home on my last day of school to go on the road." "The people who had the most output were the most refined and dedicated. And when I look at where their careers are now, they’re still artists." "I was like, well, I don’t know what Second Story is. I’ve never even heard of them. And then, my son was like, mom, I’m really tired of being poor." "I think the encouragement is you have more backers than you think you do...just say hi to people that you haven’t chatted to for a while." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Subscribe to receive my weekly coaching message to nurture your creativity and be the first to hear about our latest creative coaching, mentoring opportunities and course announcements.: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri interviews Christian Viveros-Fauné, a Chilean curator and writer based in New York. Christian shares insights from his prolific career curating major biennials and writing for renowned publications. Christian offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of curating a citywide exhibition, from fundraising and gaining stakeholder buy-in to selecting impactful artists and works. He also discusses his personal creative drive, his approach to art criticism, and key artists who have influenced his perspective. Christian also talks about his next curatorial risk - a new book tackling the provocative themes of regulation and experimentation in the art world. KEY TAKEAWAYS Political turmoil in Chile as a child shaped Christian's view of art as a powerful tool for social commentary. When curating a major exhibition, you must convince stakeholders it's a team effort they have a stake in. Christian seeks art that innovates on recurring humanist themes like war and love. He's committed to working in fledgling contexts and pushing institutions to grow. Christian values art's "figural" meaning beyond words, the way it visually engages society. He aims to translate complex ideas about art accessibly as a writer and curator. When writing criticism, Christian's established voice means he rarely tailors pieces now. His next book explores provocative themes of regulation and experimentation in art. BEST MOMENTS "I wanted to convince people that it's a team operation, that there's a stake in it for them as well as for you and the organisation you're representing." "I'm a firm believer in the larger field of humanity." "The fact that we get [big ideas] in new envelopes when they're effective, I think that's where the magic happens." "My interest has remained in this notion of figural thought and the way meaning spills over." "You never do know when you touch somebody in their hour of need." "Keep being prepared to put yourself in the midst of those new, strange contexts to help us see the world differently." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** **** Subscribe to receive my weekly coaching message to nurture your creativity and be the first to hear about our latest creative coaching, mentoring opportunities and course announcements.: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri interviews Zerritha Brown, Head of Culture at London's Camden Council, about how her Jamaican roots fuel her rebel spirit to drive grassroots activism. Zerritha shares how she brings that spirit into institutional settings through relationship-building and empowering others. She provides insight on how institutions need to understand their communities, not just co-produce content. Zerritha also discusses her soft yet deep listening leadership style and how she’s paving the way for the next generation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Zerritha’s Jamaican heritage and music instilled a rebel spirit in her to create access and open doors in the arts for underrepresented communities. She builds relationships with institutions to create change from within, like bringing a sound system into the British Museum. Institutions need artists and community members working at all levels, not just co-producing content. Zerritha’s approach involves collaborating with the same artists long-term to actively shape communities. Her listening leadership style achieves remarkable results by empowering others. She believes in succession planning to pave the way for the next generation of diverse arts leaders. Dance and movement energise and inspire Zerritha to keep growing as a leader. Despite challenges, she learned to lead as her authentic self rather than fit a typical leadership stereotype. BEST MOMENTS "That rebel attitude, being Jamaican, from Kingston, Jamaica, music as well, particularly reggae was becoming quite politicised at that time. My dad always carried that warrior, fighter, rebel, rebellious spirit, which was ingrained in me and my siblings." "The spaces that we have in our control are the public realm. So how do we start to use that public realm and our role as connectors and conveners, bringing people into public space through cultural intervention?" “They've been able to come in and really connect with us with what is going on in the ground, what needs to happen, where we're doing things wrong, where we're not listening. But also feed that into some of the partners that they're working with. I've seen a real shift change. "I think also just being me as well and, and just being that, you know, I find, as I said, listening is a real skill…I don't think I can do my job if I don't listen." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Subscribe to receive my weekly coaching message to nurture your creativity and be the first to hear about our latest creative coaching, mentoring opportunities and course announcements.: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Join Ceri as she explores the captivating story behind multimedia artist Soheila Sokhanvari's work. Discover how art saved Soheila from depression as a scientist and fuelled her true calling. Hear how Soheila overcame deep challenges arriving in the UK as a teen and sacrificed family time to follow her artistic path. This moving episode unpacks Soheila's drive to spotlight pre-revolutionary Iran and honour exiled female performers through her portrait work. KEY TAKEAWAYS Love empowers us to cherish our creativity and ourselves. Self-love forms the bedrock for life and work. Embracing failure enables growth and learning - a key to achieving our version of success. Discomfort brings genuine expansion. Diving into the deep end helps us thrive. Soheila uses beauty and colour to draw people close to difficult narratives in her art. Her scientific background taught Soheila to embrace failure and find order in chaos. Why Soheila became an unlikely activist, spotlighting oppressed Iranian women. Her solo exhibition at the Barbican, London, coincided with protests, providing her a crucial platform. BEST MOMENTS "I can't help but love the person eventually, or at least I need to love them before I start." "I make my life very difficult. I like that frisson between the vision and the materiality." "I was just thrilled and happy to be there, but utterly out of my depth." "To me, success is when you get up in the morning and until night, you do what you really love." "I want to become a voice for Iranian women because if I don't, my silence would be too heavy." "I'm making a rubbish public speaker, but I've become a reluctant yet vital activist." "When I'm not in my comfort zone, when I'm pushed to the brink, some order comes." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Subscribe to receive my weekly coaching message to nurture your creativity and be the first to hear about our latest creative coaching, mentoring opportunities and course announcements.: https://linktr.ee/cerihand **** JOIN OUR UPCOMING COURSE: Become A Master Mentor November 17th, 18th, and 24th 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (GMT) Unlock your full potential as a creative mentor with our 3-day online course. In this transformative programme lead by Ceri Hand and Lina Asrarguis, you'll develop results-oriented systems, master effective onboarding, craft an irresistible value proposition, confidently set your price points and budget for profit. Plus, enjoy interactive demos, comprehensive worksheets, and access to a vibrant online creative community. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your mentoring skills. Apply now! https://www.cerihand.com/become-a-master-mentor This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Join artist, designer, and educator Julie Verhoeven in this episode as she shares her creative journey. From hating school and struggling to get into art college, to working with notorious fashion designers John Galliano and Martine Sitbon, Julie has forged her own unique path. She opens up about the imposter syndrome she faced early on, how being different fuels her creativity, and why she didn’t consider herself an “artist” until later in her career. Listen in for her honest take on being an artist and creative as well as tips and advice for emerging creatives looking to chart their own course. KEY TAKEAWAYS Not getting into art college lit a fire in Julie to pursue fashion design. She developed a strong mindset and willpower which then propelled her successful career. Julie has always felt like an outsider and struggled with shyness but has learned to channel those feelings into her creative expression and individualism. Deep connections are more important to Julie than large social circles, often forming a creative partnership with just one other person. Julie thrives under fast-paced environments with intense schedules and tight deadlines that force decisive action. Though she resisted the "artist" label for a long time, Julie now embraces making work just to please herself without fear of judgement. She gathers inspiration from her vibrant neighbourhood, reality TV, music, and other multisensory sources. Julie urges creatives to fill time so doubts can't creep in, commit fully to their work, and push past discomfort towards change. BEST MOMENTS "It was like a revelation. It was just the best thing ever...I felt absolute freedom when I got there." "I find it unattractive, the thought of being an artist...this sort of self-centred, all about me." "I try and create work [knowing] that nobody really cares, nobody's really looking." "I don't allow space in my brain for doubt or fear." "There are no rules” PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand JOIN OUR UPCOMING COURSE: Become A Master Mentor November 17th, 18th, and 24th 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (BST) Unlock your full potential as a creative mentor with our 3-day online course. In this transformative programme lead by Ceri Hand and Lina Asrarguis, you'll develop results-oriented systems, master effective onboarding, craft an irresistible value proposition, confidently set your price points and budget for profit. Plus, enjoy interactive demos, comprehensive worksheets, and access to a vibrant online creative community. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your mentoring skills. Apply now! https://www.cerihand.com/become-a-master-mentor This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri talks to legendary photographer and TV host Normski. He shares his extraordinary journey from capturing the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the 1980s to becoming Britain's foremost youth presenter. Normski lifts the lid on his creative obsessions, the hustle behind his lens, and key lessons like following your passion, surrounding yourself with a supportive tribe, and having the courage to take creative risks. KEY TAKEAWAYS Follow your gut instincts and believe in your vision, don't listen to the naysayers. Treat each project like it's the most important, even if it's just 5 minutes you should always give it your all. Build relationships and community, they will lift you up during challenging times. Allow yourself different creative seasons, learn to try new things and reinvent yourself. Create work you love and the love from others will come. Integrity and authenticity shine through when your work is created with them. Lift others up and help inspire those coming up behind you. Stay curious, take creative risks and be willing to fail, that's always where the magic happens. BEST MOMENTS "I was obsessed with getting back to develop the film, hoping I didn't let any light in to bleed it out - reliving that shot was everything." "It's about being willing to be shit in those moments. Even if you're not willing, you have to be prepared for it to be really crap." "How is anyone going to be completely sure? If you have a feeling, follow it through." "If it's not made with love, it probably won't be received with love. It might make you money, but I'm not sure it will have the shelf life." "I find joy in showing people what's possible, photographs can inspire." "There's something about you lifting the stone and looking at what's underneath - you're a bit nosy, curious." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand JOIN OUR UPCOMING COURSE: Become A Master Mentor November 17th, 18th, and 24th 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (BST) Unlock your full potential as a creative mentor with our 3-day online course. In this transformative programme lead by Ceri Hand and Lina Asrarguis, you'll develop results-oriented systems, master effective onboarding, craft an irresistible value proposition, confidently set your price points and budget for profit. Plus, enjoy interactive demos, comprehensive worksheets, and access to a vibrant online creative community. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your mentoring skills. Apply now! https://www.cerihand.com/become-a-master-mentor This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Publisher and editor Sharmaine Lovegrove joins Ceri in this week's episode of the Extraordinary Creatives podcast. Despite dealing with dyslexia and homelessness and as a teen, Sharmaine has beaten the odds to become an award-winning MD, publisher and editor. She shares how books were her safe haven growing up and discusses her unique journey to the top of the publishing world. Sharmaine offers incredible, inspiring advice to aspiring creatives and reveals her secret to keeping her creative cup full (hint: it's not PG!). Tune in to hear this remarkable woman's story. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sharmaine turned to books as an escape in response to feeling like an outsider growing up in a multicultural London. Reading gave her confidence and perspective. She became a truth seeker due to experiencing trauma growing up – she now uses that skill to help authors excavate stories and ideas. Sharmaine doesn't want to be the protagonist in every situation, instead finding confidence in supporting others’ brilliance shine rather than having to be centre stage. Deciding to move to Berlin gave Sharmaine space, time with family, and more focus on editing - staying connected to the heart of publishing while avoiding the noise. Modelling psychological safety as a leader helps Sharmaine ensure that her team feels comfortable stretching themselves, failing, and growing together. Sharmaine is committed to pleasure and joy which help keep her creative cup full, she always makes time for sex, food, and Arsenal football! BEST MOMENTS "Being an immigrant Mom in Germany showed me I didn't grow up in an immigrant household - it taught me the difference between ethnic minority and immigrant." "A lot of sex, watching football and eating food - indulgent things that take focus. That's where humans have always connected." "Know yourself, be intentional and unapologetic, but also listen and grow. Look for gaps where you can make a difference." "Keep going. I'm really proud of you. You did what you needed to do and you were right." "I don't have the same story as James Baldwin or Dr. Maya Angelou. That gave me confidence - it could be so much worse." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri is joined by poet, comedian and musician John Hegley. From busking to the big stage, John reflects on finding inspiration in everyday objects, overcoming challenges of fame, and the importance of mental well-being. He opens up about his own battles with depression and how connecting and creativity aided his recovery. Listen in to this episode as he unpacks evolving creative pursuits - from visual art to lyrical translation aimed at forging a human connection and even gives an exclusive musical performance on mandolin to finish! KEY TAKEAWAYS Creativity can be found in humble everyday items - inspiration is all around us. Busking and street performing built confidence and taught adaptability. Fame and visibility bring mental health challenges that require active care. Finding your tribe and connecting creatively is deeply healing. Staying open to learning new skills keeps creativity fresh. Collaboration with others brings great artistic joy. Gratitude for creativity's gifts is just as important as the output. BEST MOMENTS "Science doesn’t need things to be true, just adequate." "I think I've had a playful ability, an ability to play with words since I was young, I think." "I was doing a talk to midwives and I said, one of the things that we have in common, myself and you, is that we try to make people feel better." “There’s a love of the absurd, I’ve always really loved that about your work… and sometimes there’s a tinge of melancholy in some of the work you perform” “The moment that changed things was having the John Peel session” “After all these years you still have those little niggles, it’s the creative in you” PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri interviews quantum artist Libby Heaney, an award-winning British visual artist with a PhD in quantum physics. Libby shares her inspirational journey navigating classism and sexism as a working-class woman in elite academic institutions. She finds solace in art, eventually pursuing it full-time after earning enough money in science. Libby discusses entangling quantum computing with digital art, creating magical, sensual experiences that question reality. A courageous and candid conversation on processing grief after her sister's suicide through vulnerable artworks. Libby reminds us that connection and hope can transcend life's challenges. KEY TAKEAWAYS Libby was bullied and felt like an outsider as a working-class "gobby clever one" in an elite physics program, finding refuge in art studios after a turbulent home life. She persevered in physics to fund her art school dreams but still felt patronised as the only woman in Oxford labs with unprofessional male academics. Libby pioneered art interrogating biases in AI systems, including classism, through projects like Lady Chatterley's Tinderbot. She creates multi-sensory quantum artworks using code she writes to entangle ideas of fluid identity and the magical realities beneath surface perceptions. Processing her grief over her sister's suicide through paintings and VR, Libby vulnerably explores transcendence and hope within devastation. Sharing quantum physics concepts with the public, Libby wants to spread the queer, non-binary nature of the microscopic world. Despite obstacles, Libby encourages persistence in finding your passion and community, taking care of your whole self. BEST MOMENTS "I'd say, like, keep going, then it will be all right, like, but I think I knew that deep in me as well. I knew what I wanted to do." "I'm really interested in embodiment and affect and sensation. Cause I think the technical details of quantum are quite hard." "If you know what you want to do, just keep going” "I had so many dead ends, which we haven't really spoken about, but that's, to be really clear, I've had so many times things haven't worked out for me, and I've had to go back and try again." PODCAST HOST BIO Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. **** Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri sat down with Ekow Eshun, a creative director, writer, curator, and broadcaster, to discuss his personal journey and creative purpose. Ekow's story of growing up in Ghana and returning to a racially charged Britain in the 1970s is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. He talks the importance of studying politics and history, and shares the publication that had a profound impact on his life. Ekow's candid discussion of the emotional ability and confidence required to speak and question his own thoughts is truly inspiring. He also talks about his current work as a curator, including an upcoming exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Ekow reflects on the satisfaction and joy he finds in following his curiosity and providing spaces for black artists to be seen and heard. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ekow's creative purpose stems from his early experiences of living in Ghana and returning to 1970s Britain, where he witnessed the marginalization and dismissal of people of colour. Ekow's choice to study politics and history at the London School of Economics was a strategic move to stay in London and be part of the exciting cultural scene of the late 1980s. Ekow's confidence and ability to have a public opinion and speak on various platforms comes from his extensive research and reading, which allows him to have a well-informed perspective on different topics. Ekow's curatorial work, such as the upcoming exhibition "The Time is Always Now, Artists Reframe the Black Figure," focuses on black figuration and aims to shift the perspective from objectification to subjectivity, inviting viewers to see through the eyes of the artists and their subjects. Ekow finds joy and fulfilment in his creative career by following his curiosity, connecting different aspects of his interests, and using his work as a way to navigate and challenge societal norms and expectations. BEST MOMENTS "I felt very strongly from an early age that unless I found a way to make my own voice heard, then all you're doing is living within someone else's definition of who you are." "The joy, therefore, is to follow the threads backwards to unravel that thing and to see also where else it can lead you." "I'm interested in artists of all kinds who begin from a presumption that sit within and without that… They're trying to both interrogate the world and offer another way of seeing the world." "So Noah Davis' 1975, it's a blissful painting, but it sits on Ford Proud… Many of the things I do follow on from each other." "The first piece I wrote for The Face magazine… It was about these particular shoes that had kind of returned to popularity… It gave me this kind of validation that you could walk down the street, see something, sell a story on that basis." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri interviews artist Tim A. Shaw, co-founder of the Hospital Rooms charity that focuses on arts and mental health. During the interview, Tim talks about his journey as an artist and how his work has transformed inpatient mental health units. He shares the challenges and rewards of collaborating with artists in these settings, emphasising the importance of selecting those who can see the potential in these spaces. Tim also reflects on the emotional and psychological impacts of working in such contexts and the support provided to artists. He shares insights into the motivation behind starting Hospital Rooms and the process of convincing hospitals to collaborate. Tim's passion for art and mental health shines through as he discusses the power of creativity to bring hope and change to individuals in these challenging environments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hospital Rooms is an arts and mental health charity that commissions artists to transform inpatient mental health units. They also run workshops and a digital art school. The selection of artists for projects is based on their ability to create stimulating and thought-provoking work, as well as their willingness to problem-solve and adapt to the unique challenges of working in mental health settings. Working in mental health settings can be emotionally and psychologically challenging for artists. Hospital Rooms provides support and creates a safe environment for artists to navigate these challenges. The organisation uses creative methods for gathering feedback and evaluation, such as visual matrix workshops and non-traditional feedback forms, to ensure a more engaging and meaningful process. Tim A. Shaw, the artist and co-founder of Hospital Rooms, has transitioned from creating large-scale installations to smaller, more intimate paintings. His work often explores themes of mental health and parenthood BEST MOMENTS "We commission extraordinary artists to transform inpatient mental health units around the country." "We're very present on a working ward for a number of months… our team are really amazing at making the artists feel safe while also making their best work." "I think most of us have… been sectioned… so going into an inpatient ward that might be very similar to the one that they were in, or they visited someone in, can be very challenging and quite triggering." "I think the work we do in Hospital Rooms, we feel like we have a responsibility for some of that work to be quite transformative, to really change the way you think and feel when you're in that space." "You know, everyone can experience it and we should all have the right to experience it. And, you know, the service users we work with, there's so many creative ways of thinking." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

In this episode of the Extraordinary Creatives Podcast, Ceri Hand speaks with visionary artist Jenkin van Zyl about his journey from suburban life to the vibrant club and squat party culture of London. Jenkin is a multi-talented artist who creates immersive worlds that challenge binary oppositions and celebrate otherness. He shares the challenges he has faced in funding and managing large-scale projects, and offers valuable advice to emerging artists. He also talks about his experience exhibiting at the prestigious Hayward Gallery and how artists can embrace their unique worldview to live differently. Jenkin's new project explores the intersection of fantasy, horror, and contemporary politics. This inspiring conversation is not to be missed! KEY TAKEAWAYS Jenkin van Zyl describes his style as a fusion of artistry and intensity, drawing inspiration from theatrical ballet and horror elements. Jenkin's creative journey started in London squat parties and queer club culture, where he explored and expressed complex ideas about masculinity and identity through unique costuming. Jenkin emphasizes the importance of discovering your authentic voice and surrounding yourself with honest, supportive confidants who can provide straightforward guidance. Jenkin's work is characterized by its expansive creativity, incorporating filmmaking, sculptural works, drawings, performance, and writing, often presented in installation and world-building contexts. Jenkin faces challenges in funding and developing the scale of his projects, as well as balancing the multifaceted demands of being an artist, including project management, marketing, and navigating the art industry's underfunding and limited resources. BEST MOMENTS "I describe myself as a filmmaker, but that kind of inevitably spills out into kind of sculptural works, drawings, performance, writing." "I think there is a sense of otherness that is applied onto queer bodies and the otherness of monsters that has been emphasised over the years, I think is interesting." "I think it's about having kind of confidence in your worldview and nurturing the parts of that that are like super unique and necessary." "I think it's about going and making sure that I was doing as much stuff that had like physical material to kind of refresh and recharge." "I think it's really important at points in the work that we make to kind of not focus on the overwhelming state of crisis, but to apply CPR to the embers of things that are really important to salvage the world of humanity." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri welcomes Beth Bate, Director of the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre in Scotland. Beth shares her inspiring story of overcoming childhood bullying to find her place in the arts world. Beth shares the importance of finding your tribe, or surrounding yourself with people who appreciate your uniqueness. Beth's leadership in championing diversity and inclusion is admirable, and she is helping other creatives thrive. Reminder to embrace your creativity and chart your own path. If you're looking for some inspiration, Beth has it all! KEY TAKEAWAYS Overcoming challenges: Beth's journey from childhood bullying and health challenges to thriving in the arts is a testament to endurance and resilience. Finding your champions: Beth emphasizes the importance of finding a community of people who support and champion your creative endeavors, whether it's through youth theater or professional networks. Embracing your inner spark: Beth encourages embracing your unique identity and expressing yourself authentically, even if it means standing out from the mainstream. Learning from impactful mentors: Beth highlights the influence of mentors like Mark Ball and Sylvia King, who taught her about leadership, community engagement, and the power of creating meaningful connections. Saying no and setting boundaries: Beth mentions the importance of recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and surrounding yourself with a team that complements your skills. She also emphasizes the need to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular, in order to create a positive and effective work environment. BEST MOMENTS "There was something in being able to recognize your community and recognize who your supporters are." "I think being involved in arts and culture in whatever form, there's so many ways to do that, your theatre is just but one." "I think there is something about being attracted and drawn to things which were perhaps slightly outside of the mainstream." "I learned an enormous amount from Mark in terms of taking huge responsibility for the voice and the power and the role that you can have." "There is something remarkable about creating connection and being radical in all of its senses, but also about thinking about having fun, thinking about how we create a fun community that does brilliant things together." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

If you're looking for some creative inspiration, today's guest John Marchant shares his unique journey as a curator, gallerist, and artist collaborator. He's worked with some big names in the industry, such as Body Map and Jamie Reid, and he discusses how he balances the artist's vision with the expectations of galleries and audiences. John also talks about his current project, a large-scale installation in a field that combines art, spirituality, and a political message. His story is all about curiosity, resilience, and the transformative power of art. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace opportunities: John's pivotal moment came when he saw a spread of photographs in a magazine that inspired him to pursue a different path. He encourages others to seize opportunities, even if they seem unconventional or risky. Curiosity and openness: John's curiosity led him to work with a diverse range of artists and explore different creative scenes. He was drawn to politically active artists and those who pushed boundaries, allowing him to learn and grow in his role as a curator. Navigating different perspectives: As a curator, John had to navigate the space between the artist's vision and the expectations of funders and galleries. He learned to wear different hats and see from multiple perspectives to create cohesive and meaningful exhibitions. Demand the impossible: Jamie Reid's iconic artwork often carried political messages and challenged the status quo. John learned the power of demanding the impossible and pushing boundaries through art, which resonated with audiences and sparked conversations. Resilience and adaptability: John's experiences, from working in construction to curating exhibitions, taught him resilience and adaptability. He learned to navigate challenging situations, work with limited resources, and find creative solutions to bring artists' visions to life. BEST MOMENTS "I opened a very, very early copy of ID magazine…this massive thing was clanging in my head saying, you do not have to conform to what you're being raised for." "Jamie Reid…the artwork for the Pistols was actually a political action in itself." "Demand the impossible…people love that still." "We proposed this thing with a whole series of festivals around the year…and they said, Yeah, we'll do that. That seems great." "We're standing there in this field with the local chapter of the Druid Order, kids brought in by the Sensory Trust, various people…that was one of the maddest things that we actually did together." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Ceri Hand interviews Sue about her creative journey, from her humble beginnings in a non-artistic family to her fascination with LSD and Americana. Sue's unwavering passion and unique approach to art have led her to remarkable success despite facing rejection. She also shares the hilarious story of how Charles Saatchi purchased her work. Sue's authenticity and determination to follow her own path serve as an inspiration for anyone seeking a meaningful creative life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sue Webster's creative journey was not initially encouraged or supported by her family. Despite this, she pursued her passion for art and found her own unique path. LSD played a significant role in expanding Sue's creativity and opening her mind to new possibilities. It instilled in her the confidence to explore different mediums and techniques in her artwork. Sue's collaboration with Tim Noble, her future husband, was born out of their shared interest in pushing the boundaries of art. They experimented with assemblages made from found objects and developed their own DIY aesthetic. Sue's obsession with Americana and customization influenced her artwork, particularly in her use of chrome, flashing lights, and references to 1950s design. She drew inspiration from car shows and the visual impact of hot rods. Moving to Bradford and later Halifax provided Sue with affordable studio spaces and opportunities to exhibit her work. These experiences in the art community helped shape her confidence and determination to push the boundaries of her creativity. BEST MOMENTS "I guess I always considered it to be a burden, having this sort of creative part of you that you have to exercise a demon I guess you have to get some stuff out your system and it was never encouraged when I grew up." "I was very much drawn together on that. And then once we graduated, there was somebody came along, you know, and said, oh, I've got a studio complex up in Bradford in Yorkshire, which I'm opening up and I'm looking, I can give you a free studio if you want to move up." "I just thought, God, I don't want to be one of them people. I just want to leave." "I was very lucky and had a massive space and then Tim moved down to sculpture not long afterwards and there was no room so he just had a curtain under the stairs." "I just thought, you know what, I'm going to move from painting to sculpture department as soon as I can, and you know, I went first." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

How do we know when our life calls for profound change? Ceri Hand’s journey of resilience and transformation began in the aftermath of a life-altering brush with death. In this episode, Ceri shares her empowering story of overcoming a relentless storm of challenges and rediscovering herself, highlighting the transformative power of self-care along the way. Hear how Ceri made the difficult decision to leave behind a job she loved in search of a more balanced life, embarking on a journey of deep reflection, courage, and self-discovery. KEY TAKEAWAYS Prioritising self-care and setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling creative life. Ceri's wake-up call incident served as a reminder to take care of ourselves and make necessary changes. Mentoring and coaching can be powerful tools for overcoming fears and challenges, making progress in creative endeavours, and achieving personal and professional goals. Ceri's experience as a Creative Coach showed the positive impact it had on their clients' lives. Addressing negative and limiting beliefs is essential for unlocking creative potential. By managing thoughts and developing a positive mindset, creatives can experience more freedom and opportunities. Being in service to others and building a supportive creative community can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Creativity is a key factor in achieving success and making a meaningful impact in the world. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to embrace their creativity, be adventurous, create brilliant work, and connect with others. BEST MOMENTS "I was lucky. Another 30 seconds and the train might have sped off, ending my life." "It wasn't just about changing jobs or cities. It was about changing myself." "Feeling like we're alone, we're an outsider, like we don't belong, don't deserve success, don't understand the rules and don't know who our tribe is, are common thoughts for creatives." "I learned how to develop a positive mindset that would enable more creative freedom and opportunities." "At the core of this podcast lies the belief that creativity is the key to success." ABOUT THE HOST Meet Ceri Hand, the driving force behind countless creative success stories. A creative coach, entrepreneur, and dynamic speaker, she's committed to empowering artists and creatives to realise their dreams and make a meaningful impact through her creative coaching, mentoring and training company www.cerihand.com. With three decades in the contemporary arts under her belt, Ceri has ridden the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Now, she's here to help you achieve your goals, your way. Find out how we can support you to become extraordinary here: https://linktr.ee/cerihand This show was brought to you by Progressive Media