Paula Orrell: The Artist-Curator Shaping the Arts Nationally

Ceri interviews artist and curator Paula Orrell, Director of the Contemporary Visual Arts Network England, about making the arts more equitable. Paula shares how artists can be effective leaders in creating change, gives advice for creatives on using tools like programming and art writing to build community, and makes recommendations on advocating for the arts. She discusses key skills needed today like lateral thinking, holding complexity, and “deeper listening” across differences. Paula also opens up about managing dyslexia and finding the courage to influence government ministers on the value of contemporary art.