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Callum Waiana Madge

@calluminium.bsky.social
808 followers 412 following 93 posts

Performance stuff in Scotland. Access Manager for Edinburgh International Festival. Always thinking three meals ahead. callumwaianamadge.contactin.bio (He/ him)

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Lung Ha Theatre Company @lunghatheatre.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Double the difference! We are delighted to announce that we are participating in #ArtsForImpact 2026! From 17-24 March, we will be raising funds with the support of Big Give and Figurative Philanthropy for Arts and Culture. www.lungha.com/2026/03/big-...
lungha.com
Lung Ha Theatre Company Taking Part in Big Give Arts for Impact, 17-24 March 2026 - Lung Ha Theatre Company
We are delighted to announce that we are participating in Arts For Impact 2026! From 17-24 March, we will be raising funds with the support of Big Give and
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The Herald comment & analysis @scottishcomment.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
A Glasgow arts centre is facing turmoil as its cultural tenants report eviction notices and steep rent hikes, raising fresh questions over how the city values its independent creative community. @neilcooper.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social
heraldscotland.com
Cool and arty Glasgow is dying before our eyes - here's why its demise is happening
Trongate 103, once heralded as a publicly backed haven for Glasgow’s grassroots art scene, is facing turmoil as its cultural tenants report…
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Robin Ince @robinince.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life.
Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage.
I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys.
I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show,
A show that I named and helped develop over all those years.
Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry.
These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenterIn a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices.
Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'.
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I chose the latter.
It broke my heart.
I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make.
I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer.
I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence.
One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career.I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more.
I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost".
James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice.
Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences.
I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness.
Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire.
I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal.
I am so sorry to let you down.
I hope that you can understand my reasoning.
I have to accept that I am not what the current
BBC expects of their freelance presenters.Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not
"just a job"
I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world.
From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too.
The strawberry is dead.
Long live the strawberry. B
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Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
If you want to understand the emotional end intellectual malaise of British politics, this piece by @mjrobbins.com is a pretty good place to start. It effectively describes a country that has gone mad. open.substack.com/pub/martinro...
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Edinburgh International Festival & Birds of Paradise are investigating ways of improving access to live music for d/Deaf audiences Join a focus group to discuss what works & what doesn't. www.instagram.com/reel/DP3UHpG...
instagram.com
boptheatre on Instagram: "Edinburgh International Festival and Birds of Paradise Theatre Company (BOP) are working together to investigate ways of improving …"
Edinburgh International Festival and Birds of Paradise Theatre Company (BOP) are working together to investigate ways of improving access to live music at the Festival with a focus on the experience of d/Deaf audiences.We know how often people are asked to input to focus groups. Our goal is to learn, test, and act based on your direct experience. To do this we're with Trudi Collier researching solutions to build and test new access provisions (like BSL interpretation or new event types) that are driven by d/Deaf audience experience.We need your input!Join a focus group (online in BSL or in-person with BSL/captioning) to discuss what works—and what doesn't—for accessing music genres from rock to classical.In-person: 6:00pm 28th Oct, The Hub, Edinburgh (refreshments provided)Online: November (BSL only) dates to follow, register interestYour insights will directly inform the new access provisions we trial. As a thank you, we will be offering £50 vouchers for all participants. To sign up to a focus group facilitated by Trudi Collier please contact: Trudi.collier@btinternet.com or text me at 07739963423
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
What's your sign?
Poster advertising a riverboat cruise from Belgium but with English text advertising: Team Building, Mice, Private Events
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The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 02/09/2025
A dementia charity that provides professional theatre to those in care is developing a toolkit to help others make their shows more accessible 👇
thestage.co.uk
Dementia charity to launch toolkit aimed at making theatre shows accessible
The Dot Collective, a charity that provides professional theatre to those in care, is developing a toolkit to help others make their shows more accessible
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Has anyone got an absolutely must see #edfringe show they want to tell me about? Not your own show but something you've seen. My final Sunday is wide open.
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Have seen 7 shows so far this August and the best by far is Dance People. On until Sunday and still tickets left. www.eif.co.uk/events/dance...
eif.co.uk
Dance People | Edinburgh International Festival
Choreographers Omar Rajeh and Mia Habis invite you to step into the rhythm of creativity in everyday life. Set outdoors against the striking backdrop of Ed
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Toksvig @toksvig.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Barriers to access in theatre are broader than the industry ever acknowledges. Broader than many of us with access support needs acknowledge. I'm posting about this on Substack - come join the conversation. jenifertoksvig.substack.com/p/barriers-t...
jenifertoksvig.substack.com
Barriers to Theatre
Considerations of accessibility and inclusivity
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Fairness Foundation @fairness.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
In a new article for the RSA, Will Snell argues that we should bust the myth of meritocracy, and acknowledge the outsized role that luck plays in all of our lives- as well as the impacts of the structural barriers holding people back. Read the full article here: www.thersa.org/rsa-journal/...
Yellow graphic with text saying the myth of meritocracy
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The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 05/07/2025
ICYMI: Current recipients of Personal Independence Payments and the health element of universal credit are no longer facing cuts to their financial support following a U-turn from Keir Starmer 👇
thestage.co.uk
Concern remains for disabled creatives despite U-turn on cuts
Current recipients of Personal Independence Payments and the health element of universal credit are no longer facing cuts to their financial support following a U-turn from Keir Starmer
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The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 05/07/2025
ICYMI: Touretteshero co-founder Jess Thom has revealed her theatre company has paused its creative programming to weather a cut to her share of a fund that helps disabled people get and keep jobs 👇
thestage.co.uk
Disabled-led theatre company pauses programming to cope with cuts
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Prof. Anthea Butler @antheabutler.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
This is a concentration camp
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Absolutely right @andyburnham.bsky.social 👏
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Owen Jones @owenjones.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
There's a national firestorm over Bob Vylan's chants about a genocidal army. Rather than about the mass butchery of innocent people. It is depraved, it is grotesque, it is beyond shameful. New column about the world turned on its head 👇 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Welcome to Britain 2025: where a musician's words cause more outrage than the murder and horror in Gaza | Owen Jones
The issue of what happened at Glastonbury is obscuring the outrage about real bombs and actual death, and I think that is deliberate, says Guardian columnist Owen Jones
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Freelancers Make Theatre Work @freelancersmake.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
The sacrifices that freelancers make to participate in self-funded events chimes with the wider issue of unpaid work in the industry, says Joe Gilmour in The Stage... www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/ineq... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Theatre #UKTheatre #UKArts #SaveTheArts
thestage.co.uk
Joe Gilmour on inequality between employees and freelancers
The sacrifices that freelancers make to participate in self-funded events chimes with the wider issue of unpaid work in the industry, says Joe Gilmour
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Youth Theatre Arts Scotland @ytartsscot.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Applications are open for BUZZCUT Emerging Artist Award, a year-long opportunity for two Scotland-based performance makers at the start of their journey buff.ly/oQDQAH0 (deadline - 4 July 2025)
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Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
👥 For Deaf, Deafblind & CODA young people (ages 11–21) 📅 7th–11th July 📍 Glasgow 🚨 Only 20 places available — don’t miss out! Email: Jamie@soalrbear.org.uk or head over to the Solar Bear website. #DeafYouthTheatre #DYTSummerProject #FantasyAndFiction #CreativeYouth #GlasgowEvents #DeafCreatives
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Extant @extantltd.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
How can I not work, when I want to? Our Trainee Artistic Director, Tam Gilbert, writes about the potential Access to Work changes and how this could lead to the extermination of disabled people at work. extant.org.uk/the-extermin...
extant.org.uk
The Extermination of Disabled People at Work - EXTANT
Tam Gilbert outlines the effects of Access To Work cuts and how this is denying disabled people from working.
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Freelancers Make Theatre Work @freelancersmake.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
"Despite actively acknowledging that creative work is being stolen at scale, the government chose once again to remove transparency provisions... allowing the tech sector to continue to rob the creative industries blind. It is as cynical as it is bewildering." www.thestage.co.uk/news/news/cu...
thestage.co.uk
AI bill passes through parliament without amendment
A controversial data bill, which has garnered opposition from leading industry figures, has passed through parliament without an amendment that would have given creatives more control over their work
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Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Join award-winning playwright and mentor Lynda Radley at the Traverse for a course of four free workshops about building a sustainable writing practice. Deadline: 5pm, Friday 11th July Find out more: playwrightsstudio.co.uk/staying-crea... @playwrightsstudio.bsky.social‬
A woman in a yellow top smiles while holding a pen, seated at a table with papers. Text reads: "Staying Creative Workshops. Applications close Friday 11 July, 5PM." Logos for Playwrights' Studio Scotland, Traverse Theatre, and Creative Scotland are visible.
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Israeli settlers from illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank attacked a Palestinian village, setting houses on fire while families were inside. Israeli soldiers then turned up & shot the Palestinians who were trying to rescue people from their homes. Nour Odeh reporting
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
The government’s disability cuts will have a “devastating” impact on women’s health and dignity and could breach equality law, experts warn. The new rules won’t take into account menstruation or some women’s extra toilet requirements. My exclusive: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
theguardian.com
Labour’s benefit cuts will have ‘devastating’ impact on disabled women, say charities
Organisations say planned four-point rule will not properly take into account menstruation and other hygiene needs
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
On LBC @zoejardiniere.bsky.social lists 3 previous instances where military aircraft have been targeted by campaigners in order to prevent them being used in war crimes, and she describes the govt banning Palestine Action as terrorists as an abuse of state power. Well said.
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
I'm looking for a disabled animator for a project. Can anybody point to some good folk?
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Arts Professional @artsprofessional.co.uk · 19/06/2025
New event: Arts Professional: Arts Pay survey 2025 from Arts Professional and Baker Richards. Tell us how you experience work in the arts - from pay, access and precarity to equity and workplace culture. Take part in our latest survey.
buff.ly
Arts Professional: Arts Pay survey 2025
Please take part in our latest Pulse survey: Arts Pay 2025 We want to know how you experience work in the arts today - from pay, access and precarity to equity and workplace culture. In this latest iteration...
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Eric Michael Garcia @ericmgarcia.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Abundance! www.fastcompany.com/91307514/ice...
fastcompany.com
Iceland built 1,756 wheelchair ramps in the past 4 years. Why can’t other countries do that?
Haraldur “Halli” Thorleifsson has helped build thousands of ramps across Iceland. Now, he wants to bring accessibility to other countries.
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erinscafe @erinscafe.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
The most striking thing about the LA protests is how many people just dropped everything to show up and yell at federal agents. There are people in suits, and carrying dogs, and wearing flip flops or bike helmets. These are not people who planned to do this today. But there they are.
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Andrew Miller @andrew-miller.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Visit the new #TakingThePIP website to view the open letter and learn how you can join the campaign to halt the Government's proposed disability benefit cuts takingthepip.co.uk
takingthepip.co.uk
Home - Taking The PIP
Join the #TakingThePIP campaign and stand against government cuts to disability benefits. Read the open letter, share your story, write to your MP, and help protect disabled people’s rights and suppor...
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Slowly but surely this service - to support arts orgs use less new materials in creative work, by sharing existing resources more effectively - is taking shape. Contact them to learn how it could help you.
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Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
We have released a statement on the impact of recent proposed policy changes & benefits reform within the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper. graeae.org/resource/gra... Our community cannot & should not take this further assault on civil liberties!
Beige background with Graeae logo in red. Text reads, We Are Working - Allow Us To Continue
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
This is devastating news! Jess has made an incredible contribution to the sector, both as an artist and as an activist and advocate, and I have spoken to many disabled artists who speak of her as a major inspiration for their own careers. I hope a suitable resolution can be found asap.
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Lung Ha Theatre Company @lunghatheatre.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
📣 ATTENTION: @fedscottheatre.bsky.social Members! 📣 We are delighted to announce that this Thursday 29th May, we will be launching our first Access and Creative Principles Toolkit, a resource for individuals and organisations with guidance on working with learning-disabled adults.
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Youth Theatre Arts Scotland @ytartsscot.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Applications are open to the Scottish Government's Climate Emergency Fund which can support events, festivals, participatory arts and youth programmes to help people understand how climate change affects their lives and what actions they can take buff.ly/NCZUA2t (deadline - 8 June 2025)
buff.ly
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All In @allin.online · 10/04/2025
The Access Culture survey by @indigo-ltd.com provides crucial insight as All In prepares to roll out later this year. Read more: bit.ly/4lkavfn
"These findings validate what we’ve heard from disabled people – communication barriers often prevent participation, even when access provisions exist. These are areas where All In can make a real difference." - Philip Lofthouse, Tech Lead, All In.
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Transport for All @transportforall.org.uk · 06/05/2025
We all need to get around, but in the UK many disabled people like us are blocked from travelling because of large gaps and steps between the train and the platform. Level boarding solves that issue, so stations are more accessible to everyone - accessibility should be standard.
‘less than 2% of stations have level access to trains’.  The figure 2% is on bright orange electrical tape, with orange arrows pointing to it. The image has a pale orange background.
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
The thrift store / charity shop game in Rotterdam is spectacular, gonna be sad to not be visiting here as much in the future.
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
I found Bottoms to be a blend of punchy choreography and quietly comic moments of reflection, with a completely unexpected ending that I thought was a cherry on the cake.
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Unlimited @weareunlimited.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
🇨🇭 Hope and Ponies is headed to Switzerland! This installation of banners from Two Destination Language and Nadia Sokolenko, brings together hopes from around the world. 🗓️ Wednesday 7 - Sunday 18 May 📍auawirleben Theaterfestival Bern, Switzerland 🔗 Find out more: bit.ly/4cpIFtl
One of the Hope and Ponies banners that reads "The sun will rise again." The background of the banner is a green fabric, the letters are mostly yellow, with leaves scattered across them.
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
A lot to enjoy with this show but what I especially enjoyed was the access introduction, playful and in keeping with the conceit of the show, but also informative and welcoming, to the whole audience, bringing everyone on to the same level. I hope this is a device we will begin to see more and more.
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The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 14/05/2025
Trans women desperately need more visibility in UK theatre, writes actor and writer Mariah Louca 👇
thestage.co.uk
Mariah Louca on trans representation in UK theatre
The visibility of trans female actors is growing on screen, says Mariah Louca, but the UK’s theatre industry needs to build inclusion into the casting system
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Ash G. @kilomonster.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Trans men’s insight on this is so fucking valuable in understanding the nuances of what’s going on with men. We need to be amplifying them, and hopefully cis men can realize what is actually the source of their loneliness.
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F-Bomb Theatre @fbombtheatre.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
There are 3000+ shows in the #edfringe, but no way to find those led by women and people of marginalised genders in the website or print programme. Enter: the #FemiFringe Guide! Register your show by Saturday 31 May to be included in our 4th edition. bit.ly/FemiFringe
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Callum Waiana Madge @calluminium.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Saw all three of these shows on Sat, in a very enjoyable afternoon. All three were excellent in their own way but Dani Heron's performance in Alright Sunshine was the stand out moment for me, a real stupefying moment of powerful delivery that was compelling, heart-breaking and enraging!
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Freelancers Make Theatre Work @freelancersmake.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Leading dance organisations have formed a working group to address the lack of representation and leadership opportunities for people living with disabilities in the dance sector. -Via Arts Professional. www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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daneka etchells @danekaetch.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
if you’re trans/non binary/genderqueer and work in the arts in the uk, hello! i run a bespoke access rider service and im offering free sessions for you. i can help create a work-with-me document to support your medical/social transition, your workplace safety, and access needs if you have them.
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Freelancers Make Theatre Work @freelancersmake.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Culture pays! Since 2009, UK City of Culture winners have seen £1bn+ in local investment, 22% tourism growth, boosted cultural funding & civic pride. A new report from Warwick Business School breaks it down- assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67fce7... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork
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Cecil Sharp House @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
STATEMENT FROM ENGLISH FOLK DANCE AND SONG SOCIETY
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Oksii ✚ 🇺🇦 @oksii33.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
The reality 👇
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