An Introduction to JH Associates
The New Arts and Business Partnership - A Change of Tack
Simon Fanshawe opened his keynote speech at the South Eastern England Development Agency (SEEDA) conference with these words:
“There is an industry in the UK which is so flexible it can create a new product from scratch within six weeks. Research, develop and market it, and deliver it to the consumer to a deadline specified in minutes not days: business so adaptable that, in the event of that product not attracting sufficient demand, it can terminate production and start the research, development and production of an entirely new product immediately.
What is this industry?
Theatre producing...”
For years the relationship between the Arts world and the Business world has been one of one-way financial support in return for little more than a mention in the programme and on the poster. The Arts world appreciated the help and businesses could feel worthy when seeing their name associated with high quality creative work. At best audiences came away from arts events with a positive view of the sponsor and some small awareness of its products and services.
Joe, and his colleagues who work with him as JH Associates, believe that the relationship between the arts and business can, indeed must, be far more mutually beneficial.
What Skills do JH Associates Have to Offer?
Simon Fanshawe succinctly answered the question “what can the arts teach business?” Joe creates unique productions in unusual arenas for particular audiences all over the UK and USA. He has to work fast with absolute flexibility, coordinating a wide range of human and technical resources to achieve a specific delivery date. He succeeds by approaching the production process with imagination and creativity.
The need to rely on the human resources of imaginative thinking and creative attitudes to development is now an imperative. Innovation achieved through these resources is not a luxury perk of the arts world. It is a necessity for any business in the increasingly competitive global market.
How often does creativity get shut outside the office door? So many adults feel that imagination was something we left behind in the school playground.
Anecdotal research suggests that most of us engage a mere 20% of our real abilities in the workplace.
Successful theatre companies have to be highly effective teams with a flexible approach to problem solving. A strong team dynamic is now recognised as vital in every workplace.
Successful theatre directors and producers have to be highly effective leaders in order to marshal the resources Simon Fanshawe spoke about and deliver the product to the appointed deadline.
Creating theatre is a tough business. To survive we have to learn tough lessons. Now Joe and his team would like to share them with you.
