CIT, in partnership with Manchester Independents, presents this session aiming to empower artists to make the most from opportunities to talk about their work when meeting with commissioners, programmers, funders and curators, or when asked to talk about their work.
This session will be a relaxed and creative mix of talking points and workshop sections that look at the whole set of skills needed when talking about your work - exploring what it is you want to talk about, responding to what commissioners are looking for and how to get yourself ready so that you’re speaking confidently about your work.
This event is a safe and supportive environment where creatives can learn key pitching and presentation skills.
This event is free to attend, however places are limited. To request a place, please send an email to cit@watersidearts.org with ‘Presentation Skills’ in the subject line and with a short description of your practice (no more than 100 words).
Event Detail
Our speakers include CIT coordinator and artist, Richard Evans alongside voice and performance teacher Paul McFadden. The session will feature two parts - preparing the talking points for your project and then, preparing yourself so that you’re calm and confident when you talk about your work.
Discussing Your Work
What are commissioners looking for?
How to identify and focus on your key talking points
Knowing the details of your project & arts practice
Presenting Skills
Breath control
Simple movement exercises to improve posture
Projecting your work - speaking with confidence
About the Speakers
Paul McFadden
Paul is a highly qualified vocal teacher and pianist. He teaches at the very highest level and has worked closely with some of the best trainers, musicians and performers in Europe.
Paul has over 20 years of experience in the field. Following on from his early career as a classroom music teacher, he merged into lecturing, presenting and his favoured mode - individual voice training. Paul has prepared performers for international tours, stadium gigs, the big screen and the West End.
His unique path as a musician and educator has given him a wide range of experience. His approach is progressive and intuitive, which enables him to tailor his training to the client.
https://www.learnvocalcraft.co.uk/
Richard Evans
Richard is CIT’s coordinator and part of the commissioning panel for creative opportunities in animation, digital media, theatre, writing and visual arts at Waterside. He has devised numerous projects and development programmes, raising funds from organisations including Arts Council England, National Lottery Fund for Heritage, the Wellcome Foundation and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
He is also a creative artist who produces and performs live shows across the country. His work has been funded by Creative UK, Innovate UK and Arts Council England. In 2024, he was a recipient of the MITIH Cultural Accelerator award.
About the Partners
Creative Industries Trafford delivers the artist development strand at Waterside Arts. Working with a range of partners, we support artists working in animation, craft, digital media, theatre, visual arts and writing.
creativeindustriestrafford.net
Manchester Independents is a biennial showcase for independent Greater Manchester artists. Running alongside and supported by Manchester International Festival, in 2025 it will offer opportunities for GM artists to present their work to the influx of audiences + professionals visiting the city. Supported by over 30 GM organisations with cash and resources, It features new commissions selected by an artist panel alongside an open platform for GM artists to profile their work.