I’m a writer, producer, experienced cultural leader and strategic thinker with a demonstrable track record in supporting artists and arts organisations, delivering significant arts projects and influencing policy. My specialisms are in strategic planning and supporting arts organisations to contemplate and articulate their core purpose - what do we do, why, and for whom.
Over the past decade I’ve worked in the UK and overseas across a range of contexts, scales and artforms.
With considerable experience as a producer, programmer and arts leader I’ve played a central role in some of the most talked-about performance projects of the last two decades including Punchdrunk’s mould-breaking The Masque of the Red Death, Royal de Luxe’s The Sultan’s Elephant and WildWorks’ BABEL.
I'm a former Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of London’s Battersea Arts Centre where I helped secure the venue’s reputation as a powerhouse of innovative new performance work.
My key strengths include a producer’s eye for world-class new talent, a formidable track-record as a fundraiser and a leader’s ability to create a powerful sense of community amongst the artists, staff and audiences with whom he works. I am a passionate advocate for the role of creativity at the centre of civic society and in theatre’s ability to forge both temporary and lasting communities. I am the co-founder of 64 Million Artists and an Associate with CounterCulture, peoplemakeitwork, Green Park and Futurecity.
I’ve recently formed a partnership with Matt Fenton - www.fentonmicklem.com - to support changes in the way arts organisations are run and led.
I am the Chair of Forced Entertainment (celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2024) and Street Wisdom, a not-for-profit everyday creative practice that you use when you walk.
Clients and Testimonals
2024 Clients
Clients since 2020
Testimonals
“David has been my go-to consultant over many years. He knows how to ask the right questions to make you see things differently. He facilitates meetings, away days and seminars in a safe, supported and inclusive way that delivers results and helps drive change. He's supported me to be a better leader and he's encouraged organisations I have run to reframe their purpose for a 21st century world.”
James MacKenzie-Blackman – CEO Theatre Royal Plymouth
“David has facilitated solutions for both Block9 Ltd and Gideon Berger Studio LTD many times over the years. His way of adeptly navigating challenges, bringing real-world, practical solutions and nimble diplomacy to everything he works on is world-class and priceless.”
Gideon Berger, Block9
“David brings the rare combination of a kind of tenacious ability to demand clarity of vision and purpose, a deft precision of thought, which is married with a generosity of spirit, inclusivity of tone and a great humoured collaborative style. The process of developing NTS’ new Strategic Framework not only delivered an effective articulation of our purpose and priorities but also enormously positively impacted the organisational culture and morale.”
Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, National Theatre of Scotland
“I have known and greatly admired David for nearly 20 years as an arts leader, writer and consultant and therefore it was with great pleasure that we finally worked together this year. David has facilitated two significant projects, as well as other smaller pieces of work, for the Roundhouse this year: firstly a review of our Artistic Programme and secondly the development and delivery of our Trustees strategy day. The result of his work has led to significant changes which have greatly enhanced our work, planning, thinking and delivery.
David is a highly professional, purposeful, focussed, calm, wise, incredibly knowledgeable and a deeply confidential facilitator who earns the trust from all those that he meets. He is very clear in his communication and he creates an air of openness and creativity with a purpose to deliver meaningful change. He is exceptional at what he does and it has been a delight to work with him on something that has been so important to the future development of the Roundhouse.
I heartily recommend David, although I fear that if I praise him too much, which he of course deserves, he may become even more in demand and therefore not available to me for future projects.”
Marcus Davey, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, The Roundhouse
“David's generous, focus and clear-eyed support helped me identify the core of the problem and face what I'd been too scared to until that point. His consultancy session helped give me
the courage to make a bold and important step in my own practice.”
Gaylene Gould, Artist / Creative Director / Director of Studio Gaylene Gould
“David has been an extraordinary champion for my work, providing vital mentoring in my creative development, and connecting me with key venues in the UK and internationally, and providing significant support. Thanks to David’s support, I’ve been invited to present at major international festivals and built a network of key venues and institutions supporting my work.”
David Finnigan, writer and theatre-maker
“David brings an extraordinary combination of facilitation and highly valued opinion to Trigger’s planning. As two younger female leaders we’ve found his approach - backed up by his extensive experience and networks - to be an invaluable resource.”
Angie Bual, Artistic Director, Trigger
“Working with David enabled me to think with confidence, vision and pragmatism about the future I actually want. I'm so grateful for his knowledge, his clarity and his detailed, personal, rigorous support.”
Lou Cope, Dramaturg