News

We are thrilled to introduce our new Arts Programme Manager, Holly Foskett, who officially joined the team earlier this week. We are delighted to have her on board! Find out more about why she joined us, what she's looking forward to and what she's currently working on in the blog below. 

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1. Hello! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi folks! My name is Holly and I am super excited to get stuck into the Arts Programme Manager role and get to know all about our amazing members.

I started off my career volunteering in arts organisations like Framewerk and Belfast Exposed while I was studying for my BA Hons in Photography at the Ulster University. After graduating, I joined the Black Box arts venue in Belfast through the Creative and Cultural Skills programme and progressed into a full-time role there. I was also a Co-Director in Platform Arts and have worked with Creative Exchange, NI Science Festival, The Mac and the NI Mental Health Arts Festival.

I'm currently completing my Masters in Arts Management and Cultural Policy at Queens University. I am in the middle of writing my research dissertation on working class audiences in Northern Ireland so bear with me if I bore you with my passion on that topic, if we ever meet!

2. What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I spend A LOT of time with my wee whippet Laszlo (who is named after the Matt Berry’s character from What We Do in the Shadows.) I also spend a lot of time reading books, listening to podcasts (My current listen is Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake with Kathy Burke) and also going to live music gigs and watching anything weird and spooky. I also love having a nosey in local galleries, charity shops and generally having the craic anywhere with a black coffee or 0% beer!

3. Have you been to any great arts/culture events recently?

I recently went to see Sister Sledge (icons!), Otoboke Beaver and Boris who are two amazing bands from Japan who were part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival programme in May. Kae Tempest was also a highlight in the Crescent Arts Centre.

4. What inspired you to join Arts & Business NI?

I love the advocacy and support they give to arts organisations and the role they play within the sector. Being part of the arts sector we all realise the need for advocacy and connections which I feel A&B NI really strive for and do well.

5. What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

Definitely looking forward to meeting with the members, finding out what their plans are and how I and the rest of the team can help to fulfil those goals and plans.

6. What projects are you currently working on?  

I’m currently working on the lovely funding round-up email for Arts Members and collaborating with the team on plans for Arts & Business NI Awards. I’m also working on the Leaders on Arts Boards programme, helping to register arts organisations who are interested in diversifying their boards and gaining new board members through the initiative. If you’d like to find out more about this programme click here or drop me an email on h.foskett@artsandbusinessni.org.uk to chat.