Craig West
Empowering creativity and leadership through cultural practice
I am a Creative and Cultural Strategist with over 25 years of work spanning performance and education. Through strategic leadership, creative practice, and cultural insight, I help organisations develop their vision, empower their people, and bring meaningful ideas to life. As a Leader and Coach I am dedicated to supporting individuals in their work, lives, and personal development.
The Blank Page
My career in the arts has been profoundly shaped by my love for the Blank Page. This space, free of boundaries and preconceptions, fuels my creativity and innovation as I devise new ideas and evolve existing programs. The Blank Page serves as a canvas for my perspective, enabling me to discover solutions and chart strategic directions. It helps me foster empathy and understanding, empowering those I work with.
Craig's Work
Working with Organisations
I understand the challenges that come with leading change, implementing new ideas, and envisioning the future. When daily objectives take precedence, it can be difficult to find the time to be creative and strategic.
Collaborating with consultants and freelance colleagues has provided me with the support and resources needed while still allowing me to lead and create a vision.
If you're looking for similar support, I can offer my experience and skills in areas such as governance, finance, artistic direction, education, fundraising, and project delivery.
Working with People
With extensive experience in leading management teams, artists, and educators, I understand the dedication required to support individuals, energise teams, and cultivate skills. I also recognise the immense rewards that come from these efforts as our work becomes more fulfilling and successful when everyone feels valued.
If you aim to unlock the potential of your people, I can offer a variety of services designed to bring out the best in every relationship - whether employer and employee, trustee and freelancer, manager and artist, or adult and young person.
Music and Education
Creating the best learning space is no simple task; it requires the dedication, thought, and creativity of leaders and educators, continually evolving to meet new challenges.
From adapting to changes in safeguarding policies to addressing teacher shortages, the landscape is ever changing. Measuring impact and crafting compelling fundraising cases, while balancing artistic ambitions with learning needs, adds to the complexity of the endeavor.
Sometimes, an external perspective is essential to drive change, implement strategies, or illuminate future directions.
If you aim to elevate and inspire your participants and staff to reach new heights, I offer workshops and leadership activities designed to develop skills and boost confidence in everyone involved.
About Craig
My Journey
My career in the arts has been dedicated to the leadership and delivery of high level performance and artist development. Leading roles in professional orchestras and concert halls have included Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Sage Gateshead (now Glasshouse ICM), RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, and London Sinfonietta.
I joined the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain as Programmes Director in 2018 and led the devising, planning and delivery of music activities for hundreds of teenagers across the country each year.
I am a Trustee of the Music Education Council and Governor of the North East Music Hub.
Through each of my roles I have achieved success in all aspects of leadership ranging from artistic and educational direction, governance, finance, fundraising and operations. I have a track-record of making a significant impact on organisations with my creative and innovative approach and a people-focused ethos that brings together individuals and teams for greater success.
Feedback
"Craig’s insights into how people work together helped create a more positive and hopeful environment in the orchestra. His openness and honesty meant that we could trust our leadership and have confidence coming to work."
Orchestral Musician, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland
"Craig finds imaginative solutions to discover the truth about the sometimes hidden talent of others. His approach is based on nurturing those hidden qualities that make for a sustainable working environment. His workshops are fun and engaging and they uncover a deep understanding of different levels of communication that can transform a group experience."
Artistic Leader and Tutor, National Youth Orchestra
Craig's leadership approach, is innovative, empowering and nurturing, which creates a culture that enables individuals and teams to thrive. His influence and his ability to inspire and motivate individuals, positively impacts the confidence of the team to deliver. Craig has a very ambitious, committed, yet empathetic and 'human' approach to leadership, which enables organisations to get the best out of its employees.
Colleague and Team Member