S6E1 Investing in People: Tom Higham on immersive art, levelling up and the future of the arts

“It feels so risky for the public purse to invest in individuals rather than in things. Backing people feels like a really progressive thing to do.”

In this era of new tech, where should the money flow? Our guest today argues we need to spend less on technology and invest more in people.

Tom Higham is the Creative Director of international media arts agency Mediale. In this episode he discusses the failings and opportunities within the arts industry, he addresses his concerns with the UK’s levelling up agenda, and he highlights an incredible artwork he’s helped bring to life called ‘People We Love’ by the artist Kit Monkman.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

1. Why taking yourself out of your art can boost audience engagement
2. Why simplicity can be the most innovative creative path to take
3. Why backing people is transformationally positive

Find out more about Tom and Mediale here.

Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood.

Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here.

You can view the full transcript here.

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