Briar Monro

I am a Arts Advisor whose work has encompassed sector development, facilitation, project and company development and management, directing, mentoring, producing and programming, and capital, audience and organisational development.

I am committed to facilitating a sustainable and dynamic arts infrastructure which provides a foundation for the development of innovative, contemporary and quality arts and arts access for all New Zealanders.

I am a strategic thinker with a strong belief in partnership working and an extensive background in a wide range of art forms [including contemporary theatre, circus arts, contemporary dance, public performance, participatory arts].

In 2007 I returned to NZ after 7 years in the UK where I was involved in the local, regional and national development of street theatre and circus.  

During 2008 I freelanced as a mentor, facilitator, teacher and industry consultant as well as piloting the Wellington Independent Theatre Practitioner Support Programme. I facilitated the two BSide Independent Theatre Practitioner Forums in Wellington and the Auckland Theatre Forum, undertook the Downstage Industry Consultation and was the lead industry consultant on the Auckland Theatre Venue Review.

Since July 2008 I have been contracted to Wellington City Council. Work with the Council has included internal and external arts advising, facilitation, partnership building, managing stakeholder relationships community and cultural grants assessment, and the current project to establish The Hub at Toi Poneke.

I continue to work as a freelance consultant/advisor/tutor with current contracts including Toi Whakaari, Playmarket, Wellington City Council.

Work History

2008 Downstage Proposed Direction: Industry Consultation

Industry consultation towards an appropriate role for Downstage Theatre. Development and analysis of three potential models.  Outlining of critical decisions facing Downstage and initial plans for possible transition.

2007-2008 Wellington Independent Theatre Practitioner Support Programme

CNZ/WCC funded pilot focused on capacity building of Wellington independent theatre sector. Delivery framework included mentoring, professional development planning, sector forum facilitation, seminars and facilitation of key stakeholders towards ongoing integrated support for independent practitioners.

2007-2008 Other facilitation, mentoring and  tutoring

Contracts include DANZ [Dance Aotearoa New Zealand], Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, B-Side Independent Theatre Practitioners Forum,  Auckland Theatre Forum, Auckland Theatre Venue Review.

2005/2007 Creative Producer for Theatre Bristol [UK]

Development of Bristol’s theatre sector with specific focus on circus and street arts.

Key achievements within this role:

• Facilitated the development of over 100 established and emerging circus and street theatre artists and companies through creative and business development, cross sector professional development programmes, audience development, platform and touring network development and other strategic initiatives.
• Established ‘What If’, an annual programme of professional development for Bristol and Southwest England circus and street arts practitioners including master classes, forum and research/development of new work and ideas.
•  Developed [with others] the framework for the UK’s first national circus festival to be held in Bristol in 2008
• Placed Bristol firmly in position of leading UK city for contemporary circus and street theatre development
• Successfully piloted Creative Producer role for Arts Council England

2003/2007 Freelance Participatory Arts Development [UK]

Participatory arts projects and organisational development including North East Somerset Arts and Paper Scissors Stone Arts

Key achievements within this role:

• Organisational review for participatory arts company, Paper Scissors Stone [UK]. Presently mentoring company through development of an action research project aimed at establishing company within full cost recovery framework.
• Developed foundations for Chew Valley Art Trail in rural North East Somerset

1989/2003 Freelance Arts Events and/or Project Management Producing [NZ/UK]

Producing, programming and/or directing mid to large scale outdoor festivals, theatrical events, entertainment programmes, and dance and theatre companies

Key achievements within this role

• Produced/Project Managed large scale outdoor events including Americas Cup Village Outdoor Entertainment Programme [2000], Volvo Ocean Race Outdoor Entertainment Programme [2002], Long Lunch – NZ Laugh Festival [1999/2000]
• Directed and produced 'Lake Odyssey' - a large scale, outdoor, participatory arts event involving 18 professional artists and 400 community participants. Project culmination of 4 years development within local community and hailed as benchmark project within South East England
• Directed and developed the Keynsham Music Festival [UK] over a two year period. An annual two day, cross art form, community event. Increased audiences and community participation by more than 100%.
• General Manager for Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory [UK]
• Project Management for Douglas Wright Dance Company [A Retrospective and Forbidden Memories]
• Project Management for Theatre at Large [King Lear,  Henry8,  A Midsummer Nights Dream]