Anthea
Davis-Barclay

Anthea is a Transformational Creative Consultant, based in Bedford. She has the ability, through spoken word, to illuminate the ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary. She uses poetry and prose to engage with social issues and the human experience in a unique and inspiring way.

Born in London, Anthea is deeply connected to her British and Caribbean heritage. A former teacher and academic, she has a Bachelors in English Literature and History and a Masters in Commonwealth and Imperial History.

Anthea’s strong sense of social justice is informed through her experiences as a black woman, mother, and social advocate. Her knowledge and personal experience around mental health and wellbeing has provided her with many opportunities to creatively work in diverse settings.

When I joined Bedford Creative Arts’ Producer Hub, I had been working professionally as a creative producer and poet for around three years. I did not have fixed expectations about what I would gain from it but, as creatives, we are always looking for opportunities to develop our practice and broaden our experience. I was particularly looking forward to meeting other creatives because freelance creative work can sometimes feel quite isolating.

I was unable to attend several of the early sessions and began attending regularly from around the fourth session. Initially, it felt a little awkward joining a group whose members had already started getting to know one another. However, I soon settled in and found the sessions extremely useful.

Producer Hub created dedicated time for me to step away from the immediate demands of freelance work and think properly about my ideas, my practice and what I wanted to do next. The standard of the programme was extremely high, and I was impressed by the professionalism and breadth of the sessions. We explored project management, budgeting and fundraising, marketing, and many other practical aspects of developing a sustainable creative practice. We also heard from experienced professionals working across the arts, including a representative from Arts Council England who answered our questions and offered practical advice. Much of the guidance I received has stayed with me.

I particularly valued the Critic Sessions, during which participants presented their work or developing ideas and received constructive feedback from the group. While discussing another person’s practice, successes and challenges, we were also reflecting on our own. These conversations gave me new ideas, strengthened my critical-thinking skills and helped me become more confident when presenting and developing my own projects.

The mentoring provided by One Degree East and Bedford Creative Arts has also been of great value. Six to eight months later, I am still drawing on that support, with mentoring available for up to a year after the programme. On a difficult day, I know I can approach my mentors for guidance. I feel as though I am sitting a little higher and aiming further because of the knowledge and support I can now access.

The £500 contribution offered towards a successful project was another valuable incentive. I am including this within an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a Caribbean heritage project in Bedford. The project will combine oral history, documentary, art and exhibitions to preserve and share the experiences of Bedford’s Caribbean community. Although I already had the initial idea, Producer Hub gave me the space and encouragement to revisit it, reshape it and move it forward.

I would especially encourage younger creatives and people from backgrounds that remain under-represented within the arts to take the leap and get involved. The knowledge, relationships and sense of community gained early in your career can pay dividends for years. Knowledge really is power, and you do not have to navigate the creative industries alone.

Associated Project