Artistic programming is a key consideration for any event organiser as the quality and type of work you showcase will have an effect on the overall experience of the visitor and the reputation of the organisation. An artistic programming policy, therefore, should be included in your Business Plan to ensure consistency and quality.

'Artistic Programming' refers to the creative content of the event, this could for example include artists who perform (theatre, music, poetry etc), exhibit or run workshops.

Consider the following when you are deciding on artistic content:

• Is it suited to your audience (in terms of their interests and age range)?
• Does it fit in your overall event programming? (you may have a theme, or cause that is guiding your event or festival's programme)
• Is it affordable or financially feasible?

Good practice in programming begins with some fairly simple actions:

• Ensure that the quality and type of work fits with your organisation/festival's identity and main aims.
• Try and see the artist before you book, or at least get a recommendation from someone reliable that has seen them.
• Always write a letter of agreement detailing fee, programme schedule and any equipment or facilities that you or the artist agree to provide. Include details of a Cancellation clause.
• Assign a person from your team to take on artist-liaison. They can advise artists of their slot in the programme, and be a main contact point in person or on the phone should any problems arise. They should also arrange any sound check or rehearsal if required prior to performance and ensure that any dressing-room rider conditions are met.

Where to find about artists?

Be constantly on the lookout for new artists. Go to other arts events, festivals and showcase events, and read the sector magazines, subscribe to networks and ask your contacts for recommendations. Check out artists websites online, including www.myspace.com for music, and network with local promoters.

One option is to meet with other festivals at one of the annual conferences that are organised each year in the UK. These events will usually include round table discussions where festival organisers can meet with like minded people to discuss issues of mutual concern/interest.

The key networking organisations to consider for membership are:

• British Arts Festivals Association
• Association of Festival Organisers
• European Festivals Association
• Independent Street Arts Network
• International Festivals and Events Association

USEFUL LINKS:

Take Art
http://www.takeart.org/
Arts development agency, which serves the towns, villages and rural areas of Somerset.

Music

Bristol Music Foundation
http://www.bristolmusicfoundation.com/

Superact
http://www.superact.org.uk/
Database of musicians

Direct Roots
www.folkarts-england.org
A comprehensive guide to folk, roots and related music and arts in the UK.

fRoots magazine
http://www.frootsmag.com/
Published monthly, has been around for 25 years and covers the folk, roots and world sector.

MOJO
www.mojo4music.com
Monthly rock magazine covering a wide range of music.

Songlines
www.songlines.co.uk
Songlines is published six times a year and covers traditional, contemporary and fusion world music.

The Wire
www.thewire.co.uk
A monthly music magazine covering progressive, adventurous and non-mainstream musics.

BBC World Music
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/genres/world/
A good 'hub' website bringing together the BBC's various world music sites online, along with news and reviews.

culturebase.net
www.culturebase.net
A database of international artists which includes many non-European musicians and composers who have been presented in Europe. The database can be searched by genre, instrument, country or by name of the artist.

Jazz Services
www.jazzservices.org.uk

English Folk Dance and Song Society
http://www.efdss.org/

African and Caribbean & Asian arts

KUUMBA
www.kuumba.org.uk/arts/index.html

Asian Music Circuit
http://www.amc.org.uk/

London: Diaspora Capital
www.culturalco-operation.org
A searchable database of artists from the various culturally diverse communities resident in London compiled by Cultural Co-operation.

Theatre

National Rural Touring Forum
www.nrtf.org.uk
The NRTF have listings of touring theatre companies that can be selected by region (you do not have to join the forum just to search). Most companies will play festivals and venues that are urban as well as rural but you should check first.

Street Arts

Independent Street Arts Network
www.streetartsnetwork.org.uk/
ISAN carry listings of companies and performers

The Circus Space
http://www.thecircusspace.co.uk/quicklaunch/qlacdc.htm
This is a very useful list of Circus contacts in the UK, including jugglers and streets arts performers.

Visual Arts

Somerset Art Works
www.somersetartworks.org.uk

Workshop Leaders

Workshop Network
http://www.workshopnetwork.co.uk/
An national online database of CRB approved workshop leaders.

Arts Council England
www.artscouncil.org.uk
Information on all arts sectors.

Generic reading:
Publication by Arts Council England: World Music in England

Commissioning new work
Many festivals have extended their programmes through commissioning a composer or choreographer for example to produce a piece of work for them. ACE has published some guidance on this in   Approaching Commissions (Word format).