Cleo Lake on championing the arts for all

We spoke with Cleo Lake, an artist, producer, and community leader with nearly 20 years’ experience in curating performances, cultural events, and engagement activities.

In this interview, Cleo highlights the importance of equitable funding, accessible spaces, and fresh, inclusive cultural experiences. 

“We will all need to be prepared to be open to whatever is presented if we are truly to have something democratic.”

Tell us a bit about your work in the cultural sector and what drew you to this field.

I didn’t consciously enter the cultural sector, but went from an underground dance artist to doing a dance degree and then curating performances for myself and other artists. Over the last almost 20 years I have produced a number of cultural events spanning music, theatre, dance. I have also led community engagement activities and most of my work tends to relate to my African descent heritage.

What do you feel are some of the current challenges within the cultural sector and how would you suggest these could be addressed?

The challenge will almost always be funding and also spaces to create and deliver at free or low cost. Also, I think the distribution of funding is unequal because organisations with more staff and capacity will likely do better than those who don’t. I like the redistro model of funding.

How do you think the regional cultural sector could benefit from a Citizens’ Assembly model or other democratic decision-making tools?

It will open things up and get the views of ordinary people – not just middle class in-the-know artsy types. So we will all need to be prepared to be open to whatever is presented if we are truly to have something democratic! On the whole I also see it as an opportunity to lobby and/or put forward a collective view.

What are your hopes for the future of Arts and Culture in the West of England?

I hope we’ll have more opportunities for different people to be excited, moved, challenged and energised by totally new and fresh ideas and experiences. I also hope for high streets to be reignited with art, and funding to be more fairly distributed.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming Citizens’ Assembly for Culture in the West of England?

It will be interesting and I hope that there will be a broad mix of people from all backgrounds. The ballet go-ers to the ravers!

Anything else you would like to add?

Arts and culture can bring people together and keep people well. I hope this platform will further champion the necessity of arts and culture.

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