Autumn 2024 Update: My Busiest Period since freelancing yet!

As we move into the vibrant red and orange colours and crisp air of autumn, historically, the autumn equinox has as its main symbolism the abundance of the harvest and the gathering of the fruits related to work, and it is also an important time to express gratitude for the projects 'sown' throughout the year, as well as to begin to review what we have achieved and the 'harvest of the first fruits'.

Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash

So, now feels like the perfect time to reflect on what has been the busiest period for me since I began freelancing in 2020.

September has seen the kick-off of multiple projects that I am deeply involved in, and it’s fair to say that this has been the most intense yet rewarding time in my freelance journey. Grab a cuppa…

First off: over £3m has been reached….

One of the most significant milestones I’m excited to share is that, so far this year, the total amount of funds I’ve helped to secure for and with my clients has surpassed £1 million. This achievement brings the grand total raised since 2020 to over £3 million!

That comes from a mixture of funding streams including ACE, Arts Council of Wales (covering everything from capital projects to project grants), the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Funds and various other grants from trusts, foundations, and community giving.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impact this funding has on the projects and organisations I support, empowering them to reach new heights and expand their cultural and creative contributions. I’ve now worked with over 150 artists/organisations since going freelance and I think what makes me successful, is the fact that I ‘get it’.

Image: me leading a governance and consultation workshop day with the dancers of Impelo as they figure out a new governance & membership structure, business plan and leadership model for January 2025...

Evolving Practice and Portfolio

Since I started my freelancing career, my practice and portfolio have evolved rapidly. I now collaborate with clients over both short and long-term engagements in a consultancy, facilitation or advisory capacity. My role often involves reviewing bids, supporting strategic decision-making, aiding in leadership development, and generally helping people and organisations to achieve great things.

Taking a closer look at some of the exciting projects and clients I’m currently working with, you’ll see what I mean about being full to the brim…!

Image on left:

Me facilitating the WMCA’s Activate wider West Mids cohort group’s first meeting in Tamworth, in Sept 2024.

1. Creative Consultant with Sophina Jagot aka Brwn Girl in The Ring™ and the 'Star Tribe' Project

I’m thrilled to be supporting (via executive oversight) Sophina on her ACE-funded 'Star Tribe' project. Her work is a dynamic fusion of creativity and cultural heritage, and it’s a privilege to be part of her journey. Products launch in November 2024.

2. Business Consultant for Solihull Culture’s Creative Business Support Programme

Returning for the third time, I’m leading the Creative Business Support Programme for Solihull’s Core Creatives network on behalf of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. This year, we are focusing on upskilling local creatives to help them feel empowered to start or scale their fundraising efforts, build robust business plans, or diversify their work using an action learning approach. I’m particularly excited about planning and facilitating an industry Symposium set for February 2025.

3. Facilitator on WMCA’s ‘Activate’ Programme

Supporting a cohort from the wider West Midlands, I’m guiding participants through an intense learning journey that includes workshops and mentoring aimed at professional development and upskilling. I am also leading workshops on behalf of Fresh Seed HR.

Video: the many faces of my online workshop facilitation at super fast speed!

4. Consultant on Culture Central’s 'Widening Engagement Research'

I’m working to help Culture Central unpack and understand how to widen their reach and engagement across the West Midlands. This research project is a key step towards making the cultural landscape more inclusive and accessible, advocating for connecting more people, networks and organisations to com together and to ensure Culture Central’s work continues to make brilliant impact.

5. Strategy & Development Consultant with Impelo, Cymru

I’ve just celebrated one year of supporting Impelo through their transition out of the Arts Council of Wales portfolio and towards a new, democratic, dancer-led, sustainable future. It’s been a year of bumps in the road, but I’m honoured to continue being part of their journey.

6. Strategy & Development Consultant with Next Door Dance, Nottingham

Acting as a critical friend and advisor, I’m supporting Next Door Dance on their ongoing organisational development journey as part of their current ACE-funded project. Their passion and creativity are truly inspiring and they really are leading the way and flying the flag for community dance in the East Midlands!

7. Strategy & Development Consultant with Nottingham City Council & It’s In Nottingham

I’m developing artistic policy and strategic engagement with the city around Nottingham Light Night 2025 (not announced yet). This is a visionary project that seeks to illuminate the city’s cultural landscape in new and exciting ways and secure its long term future on the city’s events calendar - that includes artists and arts organisations in its evolving programme.

8. Fundraising Consultant with Creative Black Country’s ‘Fundraising Fellowship Scheme’

Working with CBC’s Fundraising Manager; Yvonne Gregory, I am supporting the scheme by offering various advice, facilitation & mentoring to a range of community organisations taking part over the next 6 months.

Looking Forward

While I am beyond grateful for these opportunities, I’m also conscious of the pace and intensity of the work. The sector continues to move at a million miles an hour, and it can sometimes feel like a grind. Despite this, the sense of fulfillment and purpose keeps me energized and eager to continue supporting these incredible people, organisations and projects. None of the above, of course, talks about my leadership of Propel Dance - which is ongoing - but you can read about that in previous blog posts!

I’m already looking ahead to 2025 and thinking about how I can build on this momentum. I’m keen to expand my client base to include larger organisations, particularly in interim leadership roles, larger pieces of organisation development, strategic consultancy or development work - and/or supporting 7 figure turnover creative businesses to reach more people effectively.

Do you know an organisation that needs my insight and expertise? Hook me up!

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my clients and collaborators for trusting me with their visions and projects. The journey has been full of learning, growth, and evolution, and I am excited to see where it takes me and us together, next.

Here’s to many more successful partnerships and to making a lasting impact in the cultural sector!

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of this journey with me.

You can contact me on: hello@amydaltonhardy.co.uk