sustained theatre

Michael Atavar is the Theatre Artists Advisor based at Oval House, a quality service for artists working in the Sector

In responding to a series of questions on his role in the Sector; Michael has a distinct number of wider influences that makes him more than just a Theatre Artist Advisor.

What's your background in the arts?

I’m an artist, writer, coach. In 2001 I was artist in residence at The Guardian Newspaper. Other commissions for my work include projects initiated by the BBC, the Arts Council of England and Channel 4.

My last work ‘Dusk’ (2006) was shown at the Hayward Gallery, V&A and Artsadmin. I’m currently developing a new piece that will take place simultaneously in Sao Paulo and Melbourne in 2010.

My book 'How to be an Artist' http://www.how-to-be-an-artist.com was issued last year.

How did you get involved in Advisory work for Artists?

During my time working as an independent artist, I also ran a number of modules at Universities and Colleges – experimental theatre, new technology, generating ideas.

In 2002 I retrained to gain more expertise. The extra skills enabled me to work more fully within an advisory capacity – facilitating groups, working one to one, developing process.

I’m now operate as a coach and advisor, with a particular focus on working with creativity.

'What does the Artist Advisor service deliver?

The Theatre Artists’ Advisor is a free advice and information service for artists working in theatre and performance.

My role supports –

• Cultural diversity, including disability

• New and emerging practitioners

• Artists living and working in London

The information is aimed at theatre makers who need input and advice about professional development.

The service particularly encourages practitioners who have made some work but haven’t been in receipt of public funding and who may feel unsure about how to get their work seen in professional venues.

We aim to support under-represented voices in theatre – looking to address cultural and class barriers that might inhibit access to practice.

What 3 key items do artists always need reminding of when developing new projects?

• The work will take more time and resources than you anticipate. Particularly the last part of any project. It will use up about 30% of your overall effort.
• Therefore put good support structures around you. Friends, colleagues, family, partners.
• It’s often imagined that the change inherent in any work will only affect your audiences. However, the impact on you is greater. Be prepared.

Your ambitions for Artists Advisor role in 2010.

• A new season at Oval House Theatre of the Peer Network, a series of artist-led workshops on the theme of diversity in aesthetic practice. · A new season of the Balloon Group, an artist-led network group – a co-production between Artsadmin and Oval House Theatre.
• More workshops for artists, along the lines of the ‘Class’ and ‘No Boundaries’ events that Oval House Theatre ran last year.
• More ‘Art As A Business’ seminars.

A Sustained Theatre Website thanks to Michael Atavar for the interview. More information on his role at http://www.ovalhouse.com/artists