Johnathan Branson
Johnathan Branson
Practice. Projects. Ideas.
Practice. Projects. Ideas.
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Commissioning
Commissioning
Commissioning isn’t just about selecting an artist or producing a piece of work - it’s about shaping ideas, nurturing relationships, connecting creative talent with place, purpose and audience. On this page you’ll find a selection of projects where I’ve facilitated commissioning: from public artworks and festivals to creative infrastructure and community-led installations. Each example shows how strategic thinking, partnership-working and practical delivery combine to bring new creative work into being. Explore the projects below to see how commissioning can be a powerful lever for creativity, connection and change.
The Unknown Refugee Film
The Unknown Refugee Film
Year: 2025
Organisation
Warwick District Council (with filmmaker Andrew David Barker & Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum)
My Role
Strategic connector, funder and project instigator
Summary
I secured the funding and brought together local filmmaker Andrew David Barker with Warwick District Council’s Curator, Chloe Johnson, to explore the story behind John Bridgeman’s long-overlooked bronze sculpture The Unknown Refugee. The connection was first made during a Spark symposium, and from this initial introduction the film developed into a powerful piece of storytelling about the artwork’s history and significance.
Key Outcomes
Strategic investment enabled the early concept and research phase.
New collaboration formed between filmmaker and gallery team.
Film nominated for Best Documentary at the Birmingham Film Festival.
Raised the profile of an overlooked artwork and its contemporary relevance.
Why It Mattered
The project demonstrates how well-timed introductions, modest investment and sector connectivity can unlock meaningful creative outcomes for the district.
Heritage Audit & Sector Feasibility
Heritage Audit & Sector Feasibility
Year: 2025
Organisation
Warwick District Council (delivered by Earthen Lamp)
My Role
Commissioner and project lead
Summary
I commissioned Earthen Lamp to deliver a district-wide audit of heritage assets and two feasibility studies exploring growth potential within the heritage sector. Funded through UKSPF, the work assessed current provision, future opportunities and business models across the district.
Key Outcomes
Comprehensive audit of heritage sites across the district.
Two feasibility studies identifying growth and income-generation opportunities.
A £19k UKSPF-funded evidence base for future council planning.
Resource now used across multiple WDC teams, including tourism and placemaking.
Why It Mattered
The audit created vital intelligence that informs long-term destination planning, investment decisions and cross-sector strategy, showing how arts management contributes to wider economic development.
Links
Earthen Lamp
Marketing Toolkit
Marketing Toolkit
Year: 2025
Organisation
Warwick District Council (funded by UKSPF)
My Role
Commissioner and project lead
Summary
I commissioned the creation of the Warwick District Marketing Toolkit, a free online resource designed to support smaller community organisations across Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Whitnash. Built collaboratively with local arts and cultural partners, the toolkit responds directly to sector-identified needs.
Key Outcomes
Practical, evolving resource available to all community and cultural groups.
Increased confidence and capability in marketing, audience engagement and promotion.
Toolkit shaped by real sector insight gathered through consultation.
Supported ticket sales, footfall and online growth for grassroots organisations.
Why It Mattered
The toolkit democratises access to marketing knowledge, strengthening the visibility and sustainability of small cultural organisations.
Hidden Artist Professional Development
Hidden Artist Professional Development
Year: 2025
Organisation
Sasolo (funded by WDC / UKSPF)
My Role
Commissioner and strategic lead
Summary
I commissioned Sasolo to deliver Hidden Artist, a professional-development programme supporting underrepresented creatives, funded through £36k of UKSPF investment. The programme supported 41 artists, including women, non-binary, neurodivergent and global majority creatives, and included capital improvements to training spaces and technology at the Royal Spa Centre and Town Hall.
Key Outcomes
41 creatives received structured professional development.
Capital investment upgraded training facilities and technology.
Increased visibility and confidence among marginalised creative practitioners.
Strengthened employment pathways and sector resilience.
Why It Mattered
This project directly addressed inequity within the local creative sector and has created long-term infrastructure and opportunity for underrepresented artists.
Links
Hidden Artist Programme
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