What If Reform Wins by Peter Chappell review – a massive wake-up call
Given the upcoming local elections and the changes that may bring doing some futures thinking, however challenging, is important. This semi-fictional account is certainly thought provoking.
What If Reform Wins is a chilling and deeply researched scenario that takes us day-by-day, minute-by-minute through a world in which Reform has the opportunity to put their policies into practice, from deporting 600,000 people to leaving the ECHR, abandoning net zero and ending the BBC’s license fee.
Record Audiences, Rising Pressure: Theatre’s Growing Success Masks Financial Strain
The latest SOLT report is out, interestingly, it echoes some of our findings in the museums and heritage sector, particularly the importance of cultural organisations being rooted in their communities.
A new report by the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre shows that while demand for live performance has never been higher, the financial model behind producing theatre is under growing pressure.
Figurative Open House: Meet the team: Wednesday 6th May, 10am – 5pm
Are you are curious about repayable finance, philanthropy development or impact practice? If the answer is yes to any of these, this is a great opportunity to meet the Figurative team. They are offering 20 minute 1-2-1 chats (online or in person) to talk about how Figurative might help you.
Writing from Life: A one-day workshop, Damson Hill Cottage, Swanmore: 9th May 2026
If you are interested in developing some creative non-fiction writing – memoir, local history, travel writing etc – then this may be of interest. I can highly recommend working with Sam and the venue is beautiful.
No prior experience is needed—just curiosity, a willingness to write, and a desire to find your voice. This edition of the workshop will particularly appeal to writers who enjoy being outdoors and working amidst nature.
Watershed’s Clare Reddington wins at the South West Leadership Awards
Huge congratulations to Clare Reddington and all the team at Watershed. Very well deserved. In a challenging word it is so important we celebrate these successes and that the sector takes pride in what it is achieving.
Leading Watershed is great privilege, and I am very grateful to work with many brilliant people, a trusting and committed Board and our funders, Arts Council England and the British Film Institute. Thank you to the South West Leadership Awards for recognising Watershed’s inclusion, innovation and impact in our region.
World Collage Day: 9th May 2026
Get ready to get out the scissors, glue and inspiring materials!
World Collage Day is about artists connecting across borders against a global context of entrenchment and separation. And the day is about an art medium that excels at bringing different things together to create new forms and new ways of thinking.