The Culture Bar

In celebration of International Museum Day (18 May 2021), we spoke to Sarah Kirkham, Museum Officer at the Museum of Enfield in London. Our conversation focussed on the key theme of the Day 'The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine’.  Sarah draws on her museum career to set the tone and incorporates her diverse collections experience. She shares with us how to manage a collection during a crisis, her insights on what changes museums have implemented, what's here to stay, and what the future might look like. In this insightful and personal experience-based interview you will hear: >how to rethink a COVID hit museum project in 7 hours >a new working life pattern >the importance of digital in making museums and collections accessible and to reach new visitors >taking museums outside >increasing importance of nurturing and encouraging local communities to engage with museums >a renewed focus on partnerships and collaborations across the museum sector Sarah is interviewed by HP’s Fiona Livingston Useful links and resources:Museum of Enfield: dugdalecentre.co.uk/page/museum/Richmond Museum: The Kings Observatory online exhibitionBrunel Museum: escape roomBlack Country Museum: TikTok campaignMuseums from Home: #museumsfromhomeAssociation of Leading Visitor Attractions: 2020 visitor numbers report This is the second episode in our spin-off series of short After Hours chats discussing issues relating more broadly to the arts and culture sector. The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts. Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases. A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

To celebrate Earth Day (22 April 2021) we discuss how the arts can respond to the climate emergency. "if we can turn those powerful machines and those artists and those platforms into the direction of normalising the changes that need to happen, and the shift that people need to make, and the sacrifices that people need to bring into their lives, supported by government, then I think the arts is going to be one of the most powerful influences. 'Culture eats strategy for breakfast'... we just need to make sure that art can survive, can proliferate, be back to the same capacity that it was a year ago. And that we’re supporting artists in helping to paint a better future, for everyone" - Sam Lee We are excited to be joined by three expert panellists: Sam Lee - Mercury Prize-nominated folk singer, conservationist, song collector, and award-winning promoter, broadcaster and activist. Alex Sobel - MP for Leeds North West and Shadow Minister for the arts, heritage and tourism. Crispin Woodhead - Chief Executive of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Hosted by HP's Henry Southern Useful links and resources Connect with Sam:Website: samleesongInstagram: @samleesongSam Recommends:Music Declares Emergency: @musicdeclaresNest Folk: @nestfolkFriday for Futures: @fridaysforfutureJulie's Bicycle: @julies_bicycle Connect with Alex:Alex Sobel: alex​so​bel​.co​.ukTwitter: @alexsobelInstagram: @alexsobelforleedsnorthwest Connect with Crispin:OAE website: oae.co.ukPoland and Hungary Tour: press releaseInstagram: oae_photosfacebook: @orchestraoftheageofenlightenmentTwitter: @theoae Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, it now includes events coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network in more than 193 countries. This is the third episode in our ​‘Under the Spotlight’ podcast mini-series where we shine a light on ​‘challenging’ topics in the arts, and focus on guests living these experiences and who are working to create change in the sector. The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts. Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases. A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor.

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of understanding and clarifying what contested heritage means, the importance of sharing stories to reveal history, the crucial role of education in schools, and ensuring voices are heard. We are joined by two expert panellists to help us navigate this complicated and emotive topic: Professor Corinne Fowler - Professor of Postcolonial Literature at the University of Leicester, and Director of the 'Colonial Countryside National Trust Houses Reinterpreted' project. Lord Ed Vaizey - Member of the House of Lords, who served as Culture Minister from 2010-16, and co-host of 'Breakout Culture' podcast. Hosted by HP’s Henry Southern Useful links and resources Connect with Corinne:Green Unpleasant Land: Creative Responses to Rural England's Colonial ConnectionsTwitter: @corinne_fowlerConnect with Ed:Breakout Culture Podcast - Itunes and SpotifyTwitter: @edvaizeyResources:The Moonstone by Wilkie CollinsBasildon Park National Trust propertyEmpireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain by Sathnam SangheraBlack and British: A Forgotten History by David OlusogaBook recommendations:Mick Heron thriller novelistSpring Cannot be Cancelled: David Hockney in Normandy by Martin Gayford This is the fourth episode in our ​‘Under the Spotlight’ podcast mini-series where we shine a light on​‘challenging’ topics in the arts and focus on guests living and engaging with these experiences and who are working to create change in the sector. The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts. Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

Alex Sobel is a member of the UK Parliament whose constituency is Leed’s North West, and he is also Shadow Minister for the arts, heritage and tourism.  In this honest and pertinent interview you will hear: >the UK Government’s budget and its impact on the arts >how UK arts and culture have been impacted by Brexit and the COVID19 pandemic >Leeds as European Capital of Culture 2023 bid >North-South divide >contested heritage >DCMS and the heritage sector Alex is interviewed by HP’s Henry Southern Useful links and resources:Alex Sobel: alex​so​bel​.co​.uk This is the first in our spin-off series of short After Hours chats discussing issues relating more broadly to the arts and culture sector. The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts. Find us on Spotify, iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean, Deezer and all good podcatcher sites. #theculturebar  A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor. Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

In this special podcast episode, we celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March 2021).  An episode not only celebrating the achievements of women in music, but also music itself, and all of those who are engaged with it and making the effort to take it out of any one particular box.In this lively conversation, we are excited to be joined by three knowledgeable and passionate panellists: Dobrinka Tabakova – a multi-award-winning composer born in Bulgaria who has lived in the UK for over 25 years.  As well as writing extensively for the concert hall she has also composed for film and dance projects – and amongst her commissioners are the Royal Philharmonic Society, BBC Radio 3 and the European Broadcasting Union. Her music is performed worldwide – and her debut profile album String Paths, on ECM Records, was nominated for a Grammy in 2014. In 2017 she was appointed composer-in-residence with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sarah Alexander – Chief Executive and Artistic Director, National Youth Orchestra of Great  Britain, named Orchestra Manager of the Year in the 2015 Association of British Orchestras/Rhinegold Awards and awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list. When accepting that award Sarah spoke of the NYO being unique.  Through the groundbreaking initiatives brought in under Sarah’s stewardship, its teenage musicians have continued to share their knowledge and love of orchestral music with thousands of other teenagers, both encouraging others musically and bringing musical inspiration directly into the lives of many who may never have heard a live orchestra before. James Murphy – Chief Executive, Royal Philharmonic Society – before that he was Managing Director of Southbank Sinfonia, and previously Communications Director at NYO.  He made Southbank Sinfonia the first UK orchestra to hire an equal number of male and female guest conductors and substantially raised the proportion of music is performed by women. His advocacy for gender equality continues at the RPS whose Women Conductors programme has given over 500 women the chance to try their hand and further their skills at conducting.  This episode is hosted by HP’s Lydia Connolly, Director and Head of Artist Management at HarrisonParrott. Useful links and resources Connect with Dobrinka:Website: dobrinka.comInstagram: instagram.com/dobrinka_tabakovaFacebook: facebook.com/DobrinkaTabakovaComposer Connect with Sarah:Website: nyo.org.ukOde to Joy project: nyo.org.uk/ode-to-joyInstagram: instagram.com/nyo_gbTwitter: twitter.com/NYO_GBFacebook: facebook.com/NYOGB Connect with James:Website: philharmonicsociety.ukTwitter: twitter.com/RoyalPhilSocJames Recommends:Daffodil Perspective: thedaffodilperspective.comDonne UK: donne-uk.org This is the second episode in our ​‘Under the Spotlight’ podcast mini-series where we shine a light on ​‘challenging’ topics in the arts, and focus on guests living these experiences and who are working to create change in the sector. The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts. #theculturebar  A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor. Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

In this special podcast episode, we celebrate LGBTQ+ awareness month (February 2021) and discuss LGBTQ+ awareness and representation in the arts.In this lively conversation, we are thrilled to be joined by three wonderful panellists: Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton who, in 2019, lit up the Last Night of the Proms as well as being named Personality of the Year by the BBC Music Magazine Awards. Jamie has also received the Richard Tucker Award, and won the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition (both main and song prizes). Edwin Outwater is a conductor, curator, producer, and all-around polymath. Edwin is Music Director at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and has collaborated with the likes of celebrated drag artist Peaches Christ, and heavy metal bands, such as Metallica. Christina Scheppelmann is one of only two women heading up a major opera company in the United States. She is currently General Director of Seattle Opera. Christina has worked in Milan, San Francisco and Washington, and was the first General Director at the Royal Opera House in Muscat, Oman. This is the first episode in our 'Under the Spotlight' podcast mini-series where we shine a light on 'hard' topics in the arts, and focus on guests living these experiences and who are working to create change in the sector. This episode is hosted by HP’s Henry Southern Useful links and resources Connect with Jamie:Website: http://www.jamiebartonmezzo.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbartonmezzo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbartonmezzo/Turn the Spotlight: https://turnthespotlight.org/Connect with Edwin:Website: http://www.edwinoutwater.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Edwin-OutwaterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoutwater/ Connect with Christina:Website: https://www.seattleopera.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scheppelmannch/ The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts. Find us on Spotify, iTunes, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Podbean, Deezer and all good podcatcher sites. #theculturebar  A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor. Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

We are excited to be joined by Laura Hendricks who is a mixed media artist and lives in Utah, USA, and Wells Fray-Smith, Assistant Curator of Special Projects at Whitechapel Gallery. In this episode, we talk about the opportunities and challenges digital technologies present to the art world by talking to a practising artist and assistant curator to give us different perspectives on this important topic. During our conversation, we will look at: >how technology is impacting art and art galleries >how the art and technology landscape has evolved >how digital technologies have changed how artists create their work and how art galleries put on exhibitions >whether tech brings audiences closer to art >impact of COVID19 >what does the future look like for art and digitalThis episode is hosted by HP's Fiona Livingston Useful links and resources Connect with Wells: Website: https://www.whitechapelgallery.org/ Website: www.wellsfraysmith.co.uk Instagram: @whatthe_f_isthis Connect with Laura: Website: havhouse.com Instagram: @hav_house   If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode.   The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts. #theculturebar  A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor. Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

In episode #6 of The Culture Bar, we are joined by Jamie Stone Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross. Jamie is also the spokesperson for Defence and Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.   In this lively and pertinent interview you will hear: >Jamie talk about the arts and culture sector in the UK >how UK arts and culture have been impacted by Brexit and the COVID19 pandemic >technology >internationalism >protecting arts and culture livelihoods >the importance of arts education initiatives   Jamie is interviewed by HP's Henry Southern.   This interview was recorded on 20 January, the day of Joe Biden's presidential inauguration in the USA. We thank Jamie very much for his time and constructive insights on the UK arts and culture sector.   Useful links and resources:Jamie Stone: www.libdems.org.uk/jamie_stoneThe Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: amzn.to/360U6YmHarrisonParrott: www.harrisonparrott.com/   Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases A special thank you to Robert Cochrane as the composer of the theme tune music, and Merlyn Thomas our editor. If you enjoyed this podcast please subscribe or send us a review.

Here is our third podcast in the new 'Voices of the North' podcast mini-series in collaboration with Talent Norway and Sparebank1 Nord-Norge, Samfunnsløftet.In episode No.3 ​‘Conversations with Nordic talents and their mentors: Benjamin Mørk: a mechanical pianist from Senja' we listen to a conversation and reflection between a young musician and his mentor. They discuss sources of inspiration, the joys of mentorship and the challenges and opportunities young artists growing up in the North are currently facing. Our guests:  Benjamin Mørk (pianist) Geir Luedy (manager at MADE Management, musician, songwriter, and music producer) Hosted by HarrisonParrott’s Karoline Melstveit. Voices of the North is a part of the agreement and collaboration between Talent Norge and SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, Samfunnsløftet. Together they ensure that exceptional talents have access to artistic support programmes where they live. The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on culture and the arts.

Welcome to The Culture Bar a podcast series brought to you by international classical music management agency HarrisonParrott. The Culture Bar is a bi-monthly in conversation interview show featuring panellists from across arts and culture sector from professional musicians and artists, the bright minds behind orchestras, arts venues and festivals, to academics and specialists such as authors and scientists. This podcast focusses on talking these experts to give you honest no-nonsense answers and opinions on burning topics impacting the arts world such as climate change, COVID19, changes in technology and changes in society. We also partner with other organisations to produce spin off mini-series which focus on arts and culture in other parts of the world to make sure we are giving you a truly global perspective on the arts. And never afraid of tackling hard topics, we also have a series of ‘Under the Spotlight’ episodes where we discuss issues such as diversity, inclusivity and equality. The Culture Bar aims to shed light on the topics which matter to you. By listening to our show you will gain insights and hear opinions from people living and breathing the arts world, discussing alternative views, and clarifying sometimes murky situations.   If you like the sound of The Culture Bar then please hit the subscribe button on Spotify, Apple podcasts and your other podcast provider to add us to your listening queue so you never miss an episode. We would also love to hear from you with your ideas for future episodes so please drop us a line. Thank you and see you at a Culture Bar podcast episode soon!   Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

We are excited to share with you our second podcast in the new 'Voices of the North' podcast mini-series in collaboration with Talent Norway and Sparebank1 Nord-Norge, Samfunnsløftet.In episode No.2 Elle Sofe Sara: a Sámi film director from Kautokeino’ we listen to a conversation between a Nordic talent and a mentor from the Talent Norway programme ‘Mer Film’. Mer Film is a programme aimed at young, talented film directors from the Northern parts of Norway. We are joining Elle Sofe and her mentor Ole in Kautokeino for one of their working sessions on her new feature film project and discuss how the Sámi culture has inspired their artistic endeavours. Guests: Elle Sofe Sara (choreographer and film director, founders of the Sámi artist collective and a traditional Sámi reindeer herder) Ole Giæver (film director, screenwriter, actor and mentor) Hosted by HarrisonParrott’s Karoline Melstveit Voices of the North is a part of the agreement and collaboration between Talent Norge and SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, Samfunnsløftet. Together they ensure that exceptional talents have access to artistic support programmes where they live. The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

We are delighted to share with you our new podcast mini-series ‘Voices of the North’ made in collaboration with Talent Norway. In this podcast series we will introduce you to some of the finest talents and rising stars of the North and bring you the voices of cultural and artistic leaders of Scandinavia. In our first episode we explore ‘Peak Performance: Art in Context’. In today's society, the arts are constantly being tested and challenged. Many art forms are affected by local restrictions and government regulations, and performers may be limited or even prohibited from practising and performing. Others may seek alternative ways of sharing and expressing their art. How can the art sector respond and react to these and others societal challenges? What can society do to help artists through these challenging times? And what can we do on a communal level? How can we help artists achieve their best and facilitate an environment that promotes peak performance? And what can an individual artist do to get through these challenging times while still being able to stimulate their performance and creativity? To help us answer these important questions we are joined by three special guests:Jarle Aambo (Norwegian sports official, CEO of Igloo Innovation and the Norwegian High Performance Cluster)Tom Henning Øvrebø (clinical psychologist, research fellow at the Norwegian School of Sport Science and former UEFA Elite referee)Audhild Dahlstrøm (Head of Knowledge and Initiatives at SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge and board member of Talent Norway) Hosted by HarrisonParrott’s Karoline Melstveit. Audio edited by Merlyn Thomas and theme music composed by Robert Cochrane. Voices of the North is a part of the agreement and collaboration between Talent Norge and SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, Samfunnsløftet. Together they ensure that exceptional talents have access to artistic support programmes where they live. The Culture Bar is a podcast series created by HarrisonParrott focussing on conversations in culture and the arts.

In episode #5 of The Culture Bar, we are exploring how sacred music can be relevant in a secular society. In order to tackle this big question, we are delighted to be joined by Paul Evans, canon of Ely Cathedral, Sofi Jeannin, Chief Conductor of the BBC Singers, and Music Director of the Maîtrise de Radio France. And Tido Visser, Artistic Director of the Netherlands Chamber Choir.  Hosted by HP's Henry Southern Whilst listening to this podcast you can also immerse yourself in the music recommended by our guests during the podcast by listening to our special Spotify playlist. Recommended books: Helmut Krauser: MelodiesMichael Robledo: Oral history of Suffolk and Norfolk     Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

In podcast episode No.4 of The Culture Bar we are considering the future of music, where it's headed, trends, and of course the impact of COVID19. We are delighted to be joined by Ben Hogwood from Naxos, Silvia Pietrosanti from Pentatone, and Till Janczukowicz from Idagio. This episode is hosted by HarrisonParrott's Lorna Aizlewood and produced by Maja Wolniak. This lively debate talks about how we consume music and where we get our music fixes from, be it live or recorded, and what's happening in that world today. What changes are there, what are the trends, and COVID-19 and how that's changing where we get our music from.   Use #theculturebar or follow us on Twitter @_TheCultureBar to keep up with our latest releases

In this episode we will be considering the future of international cultural exchange. We are delighted to be joined by Roy Luxford Planning and Operations Director of Edinburgh International Festival, Nadja Race Director of International Engagement at British Museum, and HarrisonParrott's Director of Touring Rafi Gokay-Wol.  In this episode we will be considering the impact of COVID19 Pandemic, Climate change debate and Brexit on cultural exchange.