Ceri interviews Sherry Dobbin, a cultural strategist whose work spans continents and iconic spaces. From starting in theatre to transforming Times Square, Sherry shares how she crafts meaningful cultural experiences that change how we engage with public spaces. She reveals the secrets behind successful public art, innovative funding models and her approach to helping people engage and not feel intimidated by public art.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sherry's journey began in theatre, where she learned to embody multiple perspectives through mask work, establishing her passion for crafting environments where people can explore and connect.
• Successful public art needs three levels of engagement: aesthetic appeal that draws in the casual observer, deeper resonance for those knowledgeable about art and dialogue with important contemporary issues.
• Creating clear frames or visual cues in public spaces helps people understand how to engage with art, allowing them to feel confident rather than confused or intimidated.
• Sherry advocates for meeting people where they are by providing simple instructions about what to do rather than what not to do, giving audiences the confidence to engage with even the most challenging art.
• Developing cultural spaces in commercial developments can work when both parties understand value beyond direct financial transactions, arts organisations bring people, energy and identity to developments.
• Cultural organisations should rethink funding models by considering their total operational needs rather than focusing on rigid categories, opening up to partnerships where both parties maintain integrity while addressing shared interests.
• When developing cultural spaces, look to the youngest creators to understand future trends, focus on how artists create rather than what they create to anticipate evolving needs.
• Embracing ‘healthy naivete’ allows for innovation, asking questions and trying approaches that go against expectations can lead to breakthroughs when done with respect and genuine curiosity.

BEST MOMENTS

"That early understanding of occupying different spaces and identities has shaped her lifelong passion for crafting environments where people can explore, question and connect."

"I was much better at taking really great directors and artists and helping them to push themselves, to think further, or how to support the work, or how to come up with solutions for them."

"Being able to find alternative realities is how we can help to see solutions to problems."

"It's this delicate balance between something being finite enough and clear enough you can focus on it, but it still allows this infinite number of ways in which it can be interpreted."

"A lot of it is about giving instructions about what you want people to do. Don't put up don'ts. Everything can turn into an invitation."

"Don't assume old sponsorship models anymore, people are really looking towards this matchmaking idea."

"Cultural organisations are not the only entities that get free rent in commercial properties. So stop apologising for it and start understanding how you bring something to them."

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Links:

https://sherrydobbin.com/

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

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