South Yorkshire artist transforms business model via “bespoke” local training service

Barnsley based artist Gary Clarke has benefited from a “unique bespoke” programme of training through South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s (SYMCA) Skills Bank, which has led to him being able to transform his business model for future growth.

Gary, who has over 20 years’ experience as a freelance choreographer, hails from Grimethorpe in Barnsley which was the source of his inspiration for dance productions such as Coal and Wasteland, based on working class people in coalfield communities.

When Covid-19 hit, Gary found his business was in a “vulnerable position”, as he was unable to work and put on any productions. He recognised the need to futureproof his business and he also realised his limits and the gaps in his own knowledge of running a business in areas where he’d always brought experts and other freelancers in to help him.

Gary was successful in securing a Bounceback Grant through Barnsley Council designed to help artists to bounce back after Covid-19. Following this he was put in touch with SYMCA’s Project Director for Arts, Culture & Heritage, Kate Brindley, who signposted Gary to Skills Bank, where she felt he could gain the knowledge he needed to expand his business.

Gary realised that he didn’t need a standard training course, but rather bespoke tailored one-on-one training with experts in a number of fields, including business planning, finance, marketing and fundraising strategy.

Gary Clarke, owner of the Gary Clarke Company, commented: “My old business model was fragile as I was working on short term temporary productions with limited funding based on securing small grants.

“I had a lot of time to think during the Covid lockdowns and I knew that I needed the skills so I could build my business into a National Portfolio Organisation. This would mean I could secure long term funding from the Arts Council and create bigger productions and start employing people.”

Gary had already secured some Arts Council funding for him to work with some experts, but the Skills Bank funding would give Gary the extra days he needed with these specialists to be able to develop his business in some depth, for example by writing a business plan, creating a marketing plan, and managing his own finances.

Kate Brindley, project director for arts, culture & heritage added: “Artists, like Gary, can really benefit from Skills Bank as the bespoke training can help arts, culture and heritage businesses to upskill and become more resilient.

“It is fantastic to see what Gary has achieved and hopefully this will inspire other artists in South Yorkshire to seek help to grow their businesses.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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