The magic behind the scenes: an interview with our Executive Director
Please introduce yourself:
I’m George, Super Culture’s Executive Director. I co-lead the organisation in partnership with Fiona our Creative Director. My role spans finance, strategic planning, human resources, fundraising, governance, as well as artist support among many other surprising and exciting things that pop up!
Q: How would you describe the vibe at Grove Lodge, Super Culture ‘s HQ in Weston’s Grove Park? What makes the team special to work with?
A: Grove Lodge is like a little gingerbread house in the park. From the upstairs office window you have a view of the bandstand, beautifully framed with a different scene for each season.
The team worked together to paint and furnish the office last winter and it is vibrant in colour and personality. The environment is a real reflection of life at Super Culture with souvenirs from creative projects past in every corner.
The team is small but mighty. I am always in awe of how much we achieve in a year. There is a real ‘lets make it happen’ attitude with a willingness to collaborate, support and elevate ideas, projects and people.
Q: How does the eye for numbers needed for this role fit in with the creative work of the rest of the team?
A: The magic that you see in our festivals and the joy in our projects and activities is all underpinned by strong management. Finances and planning is a hugely valuable part of making Super Culture spin and without it the creative output simply couldn’t happen. As a creative thinker myself I never feel that there is a separation between the creativity in our core function and in our delivery teams. All members of our team feed in ideas, connections and imaginings and are part of the rich texture of the work we all do.
Q: How would you sum up the Super Culture spirit?
A: When I think of Super Culture, I always think of the phrase ‘Why not?!’ Why not try it, Why not do it?, Why not see what’s possible. There is a real curiosity and spirit of action in the company and that makes really exciting things possible.
Q: You’re managing everything from budget reporting to team care. What does a typical Tuesday look like for the Head of Ops & Finance?
A: As a hybrid team with a lot of part time staff, connection is really important. A typical Tuesday usually starts with a team meeting either online or monthly in-person. If it’s in person usually accompanied by toasties and soup. During the day, you may be leading a 3 month supervision with a team member, working on quarterly board reports, updating or monitoring cash flow sheets, having project meetings with the team on specific upcoming events or meeting with partners to discuss strategic projects or collaborations. There is a real mix of people focused activity and focused tasks.
Q: For someone coming from outside the arts sector, what’s the most surprising or rewarding thing they’ll learn about how an arts charity works?
A: I think it’s the variety. Each season looks different and the pace rolls with them. The public facing programme has a real adrenaline and intensity in the delivery days and huge swells of pride and comradery that come with that. It really is all hands on deck and it’s everyone’s responsibility to pull together to make things happen. This may mean you find yourself in some surreal situations! There are then times of rest and reflection where the team and the output needs to recover. There needs to be an openness and flexibility to lean into the natural rhythms of an arts organisation.
Q: Super Culture is deeply rooted in North Somerset and Weston-super-Mare. Why is it important for the ‘Ops and Finance’ lead to care about the local community as much as the spreadsheets?
A: Super Culture is nothing without its community. An understanding of the landscape and the people who shape, make and enjoy work with us is essential in understanding the impact of our programme and informing the next steps of the organisation.
Q: What’s the most exciting challenge the person stepping into this maternity cover will get to tackle during their time at Super Culture?
A: It’s a three festival year! From the colour and sparkle of Whirligig to the deep sensitivity of Good Grief Weston, this year really has something for everyone and will be a real journey for the whole team.
Q: What’s one thing you’re most proud of setting up or managing that you’re excited to hand over during your maternity leave?
A: I’m really passionate about care-fuelled leadership. I started a new supervision and appraisal process for the team this year and I’m excited for that to become embedded and see the team thrive from having care and continuity at the heart of their management while I’m off on leave.
Find out more about the role and how to apply here