Without in any way wishing to reduce the value and truth of anything you say I read:
"The challenge was, as it is right across the grassroots sector, that the current job description for a venue operator includes a willingness to hand over your savings, your evenings, your knees, and your peace of mind, to a business that will almost certainly never be able to pay you back for it."
...and inserted 'artist manager' in place of 'venue operator' and 'band/artist' in place of 'business'. In so doing you kindly supplied my feelings so eruditely and accurately.
Meanwhile, I hope you have 'enjoyed' the intellectual (if not emotional) process of developing the succession planning policy document.
I also hope that you remain around for as long as you wish to support the continuing work of the MVT in helping to sustain venues, and in time to preside over a reinvigorated and vibrant community of artist-supportive places.
It's something which frequently crosses your mind (at 62) but you do nothing about because you're too busy trying to make 'right now' work. Food for thought, for sure. Cheers.
*checks pulse* - ok, lets go and open up for todays matinee at The Engine Room.
Something that we never have time to even think about is succession planning.
You hit the nail on the head about having something run without you and I like the fact you have put a timeline on yours. I suppose that’s the only way to make it happen.
Someone said to me the only way to make our venue successful and carry on without us, is to plan to make it franchise-able. Not to say it would be the Maccy D’s of London, but so the systems were all in place for other people to be able to do that. It obviously hasn’t happened yet as the toilets still require my delicate touch in making the urinals gleam…but a timeline is a good idea for my impending doom or doing slightly less !
A terrific read as ever Mark.
Without in any way wishing to reduce the value and truth of anything you say I read:
"The challenge was, as it is right across the grassroots sector, that the current job description for a venue operator includes a willingness to hand over your savings, your evenings, your knees, and your peace of mind, to a business that will almost certainly never be able to pay you back for it."
...and inserted 'artist manager' in place of 'venue operator' and 'band/artist' in place of 'business'. In so doing you kindly supplied my feelings so eruditely and accurately.
Meanwhile, I hope you have 'enjoyed' the intellectual (if not emotional) process of developing the succession planning policy document.
I also hope that you remain around for as long as you wish to support the continuing work of the MVT in helping to sustain venues, and in time to preside over a reinvigorated and vibrant community of artist-supportive places.
Keep enjoying the rollercoaster :-)
It's something which frequently crosses your mind (at 62) but you do nothing about because you're too busy trying to make 'right now' work. Food for thought, for sure. Cheers.
*checks pulse* - ok, lets go and open up for todays matinee at The Engine Room.
A great read and so well written.
Something that we never have time to even think about is succession planning.
You hit the nail on the head about having something run without you and I like the fact you have put a timeline on yours. I suppose that’s the only way to make it happen.
Someone said to me the only way to make our venue successful and carry on without us, is to plan to make it franchise-able. Not to say it would be the Maccy D’s of London, but so the systems were all in place for other people to be able to do that. It obviously hasn’t happened yet as the toilets still require my delicate touch in making the urinals gleam…but a timeline is a good idea for my impending doom or doing slightly less !
Thanks mark