Meet Kayleigh Boyle, one of our Towards a Tendring Playbook provocation givers
We’re really excited that Kayleigh Boyle, the brand new director of the brand new Creative Tendring programme has agreed to give one of the opening provocations at our Towards a Tendring Playbook open space event on 6 July. We wanted to give Kayleigh a chance to introduce herself ahead of the event, so we sat down with her to talk about collaboration, culture and all things Tendring…
Kayleigh, we’re so excited you’ll be joining us at the open space. Can you tell participants a little bit about you, and your connection to Tendring?
I’ve recently started a new role here in Tendring as the Programme Director for Creative Tendring, an Arts Council England funded Creative People and Places programme. The purpose of Creative Tendring is to get more people involved in creativity in ways that are relevant to them, so I’ve been spending my time so far meeting as many people as possible across the district who live and work here.
You know Tendring pretty well. What 3 words would you use to describe it?
Distinctive, energetic, evolving.
And, what would you say makes Tendring such a special place?
What stands out in Tendring is its variety. Every town and village has its own character and identity. You can see change and tradition side by side. There’s a real sense of people caring about where they live, and a lot of creative energy and ideas, which is great for Creative Tendring as that’s what we want to support. And I can’t forget the presence of this incredible coast and the unique history we have here.
What about the most memorable arts experience you’ve had in Tendring… what was that?
For me it was when I was working on Snapping the Stiletto, we had an artist residency in a beach hut in Clacton. The conversations I had with people about their experiences of Essex stereotypes and how certain perceptions had shaped how people viewed them and how they viewed themselves, has stayed with me. It’s proof that great creative experiences don’t have to happen in cultural venues, we need to find people where they are.
We know you are a serial collaborator. What would you say are the key ingredients for successful collaboration?
Honesty, trust, and clarity are key. Creating a safe environment where people feel able to contribute openly is essential, as is recognising that everyone involved is bringing different skills, experiences, and perspectives. Good collaboration also means accepting that we’re all learning as we go and the best outcomes come from being flexible, from listening, and from being willing to change direction when needed.
And finally, what would your fantasy Tendring collaboration be? Who would you like to collaborate with, and on what?!
My ideal collaboration would be one where Tendring residents are leading the conversation and shaping the direction, and where we’re able to connect them with creatives who are right for them and their projects. Creative Tendring is a resident led programme, so my role is less about having all the answers and more about creating conditions for partnership working to flourish. I want to work with creatives who are collaborative, generous, open to challenge, and committed to learning. At the same time I want to ensure that the people of Tendring have access to artists and practitioners of the highest quality. So the collaborations I’m most excited about are ones that create genuine exchange, and are meaningful for everyone involved.
And really finally, why are you excited to be part of this open space event?
I’m looking forward to introducing people to Creative Tendring and connecting with creatives who live and work here. This event is a great opportunity to discover more about what people are working on, where people see possibilities, and help me understand further how Creative Tendring can add to rather than duplicate what’s already here.
More about the event
Towards a Tendring Playbook is taking place at the Princes Theatre in Clacton on 6 July 1-5pm. It’s an open space event for people from across the local cultural sector – from artists to curators, producers to marketers, volunteers to CEOs – to come together and explore how we can better collaborate so that more local people can access brilliant cultural experiences. This is no dry old conference; you won’t sit for hours listening to speakers. Instead, it’s an open space event, where the agenda will be set on the day by you and your fellow participants. Kicking off with provocations from Kayleigh and local cultural champion, Marc De’ath, you’ll then build the agenda together, based on what YOU want to talk about. For the rest of the event, you’ll join the conversations you want to, sowing the seeds of new projects, taking collaboration to a new level.
Free to attend, bursaries are available to freelancers who need financial assistance.
To find out more and book your space CLICK HERE.
