Public speaking

Alongside my consultancy and my membership network, I take on speaking engagements. I have spoken at marketing conferences, family arts conferences, and at events where audiences want a real story rather than a corporate keynote. The talk I give most often is about becoming an entrepreneur at 59, age is just a number, and that talk goes down particularly well with women starting out a little later in life.

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What I bring to a talk

A real story. 25 years in the arts industry, 12 of them as an actor, the rest as an arts administrator and consultant. The lived experience of starting a business at 59 and growing it into a national consultancy and a 1,100-member network.

And the voice of somebody who has spent her whole career making art and culture feel possible for people who would never have come otherwise. Honest, warm, and grounded.

Topics I speak on

Becoming an entrepreneur at 59. Audience development for arts organisations. Diverse audiences in the widest sense. Community engagement that actually engages communities. The role of trust in arts marketing. The future of audience work in UK arts and culture.

Who books me to speak

Marketing and family arts conferences. Industry events. Public-facing talks at venues, museums and heritage sites. Community gatherings. Networks and women-in-business events.

Testimonials

What clients say

Thank you, Elaine, for your dedication to everything related to the performance arts and education. You have made many many children and their teachers and families very happy with the Mousetrap links. It’s an extraordinary organisation and I and my students benefited for many years when I was a full-time teacher of Drama and Theatre Arts and English. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Duncan Melvin, Teacher

Talk to me about your project

Whether you are a venue, a producer, a heritage site, or an arts lover thinking about joining The Arts & Culture Group, I would love to hear from you.

Get in touch