Lovely opportunity here with Manchester City of Literature to undertake a fully-funded PhD exploring the impact of literature and creative writing within communities. Deadline 28th Feb! www.manchestercityofliterature.com/opportunity/...

At the leaving party for Dame Sara Llewellin of @barrowcadbury.bsky.social. It’s lovely to celebrate the contribution of a generous and wise human being, rightly described just now as a ‘model philanthropist’. Thank you, Sara.

Brilliant 🤩 👇

My annual message to encourage cultural leaders to think about this extraordinary opportunity. Taking part 21 years ago transformed my professional life, and I’m proud nowadays to be Chair of the organisation imagining and supporting leadership in our sector in 2025.

The Hockney immersive exhibition at Factory International is rather wonderful. On until 25 January, better ticket availability in the early evenings.

Fridge jenga completed ✅ Carols from Kings ✅ Sausage rolls made ✅ Tetchy talk about how many boxes of chocolates open is the right number of chocolate boxes open ✅ Guest installed in spare room/office/storage space ✅ #duvetknowitschristmas ✅ Hanukkah candles found ✅ Happy holidays, all.

On the 75th anniversary of the legislation that led to the creation of National Landscapes, we're looking to the future. We crunch the numbers on the outsize role National Landscapes could play in delivering 30by30 if adequately resourced. ow.ly/t3Me50Up8c5

Tremendous exhibition at the Barbican until 5 Jan. ‘The Imaginary Institution of India’ eye opening in the breadth of artists and depth of response to challenge to the “progressive character of the Constitution”. This by Sudhir Patwardhamn.

Cultural leadership in action 💪

Definition of a woman of ‘a certain age’: - Too old to be bullied & intimidated. - Too young to be patronised & ignored. Terrifying to men of a certain type.

At the National Landscapes Association conference with Chairs and Lead Officers from across England. It’s the 75th anniversary of 1949 Access to Countryside Act. What does it mean in 2024 for people and their relationship to natural beauty?

Have just completed the 3.5 months International Coaching Federation Accredited Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Personal Coaching with Barefoot Coaching Ltd. Intense learning, surprisingly emotional, a fantastic cohort from across a wide range of sectors. I loved it.

Monet at the Courtauld. Lunch at The Devonshire. Bit of shopping. Thanks to the sister for showing what a next phase of life might look like…full of riches and flexibility.

In Manchester for announcement of English National Opera’s plans. Includes Einstein on the Beach, with Factory International, Improbable, Park Avenue Armory NY, premiering at Aviva Studios, Spring 2027. And UK premiere of Angel’s Bone, with Factory International, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, May 2026

And all the evidence tells us the impact plays out for a lifetime…

This. This is why I am here.

Word of the Day is a true favourite, as some of you will know. Apricity (17th century) is the warmth of the sun on a winter’s day.

@nefertiti35.bsky.social Found you!

Still pulsing with images and music, wisdom and provocations from Laurie Anderson at Factory International. Hard to capture but I wholeheartedly recommend you see this important, visually and technically stunning piece. The world needs Laurie Anderson and this generous sharing of her brain.

Paul Hamlyn Foundation Awards for Artists 2024 celebrates 30 years as £750,000 awarded to 10 visual artists and composers - Improvising saxophonist Rachel Musson and drummer Mark Sanders are among 10 creatives awarded £75,000 each www.jazzwise.com/news/article...