Johnathan Branson - Commissioning

Here's a selection of reports and sector training I've commissioned over recent years:

Heritage Audit & Sector Feasibility (2025)

I commissioned Earthen Lamp to deliver a district-wide audit of heritage assets and two feasibility studies to explore growth potential in the heritage sector. This £19k UKSPF-funded project provided critical intelligence to inform future council planning and identified new opportunities for income generation. The audit created a valuable resource for teams across Warwick District Council and contributed to long-term destination and placemaking strategies, demonstrating the role of arts management in cross-sector strategic planning.

Marketing Toolkit (2025)

I commissioned the Warwick District Marketing Toolkit, a free, evolving online resource built in collaboration with the local arts and cultural sector. Its aim is to help smaller community organisations across Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, and Whitnash amplify their marketing efforts, whether that’s increasing ticket sales, boosting foot traffic, or growing online engagement. The toolkit was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and shaped by input from people working on the ground so it directly responds to what artists, venues and groups say they need. Since its launch, it’s enabled better access to marketing know-how for grassroots and community organisations, helping them raise their profile, share best practice, and connect more meaningfully with their audiences..

Leamington Makers’ Hub Feasibility (2025)

As part of Warwick District Council’s Arts Grants, I awarded Leamington LAMP £48k for the development of a business case for a new makerspace in Leamington. The work included stakeholder consultation, comparable model research, and the purchase of key equipment such as a kiln and digital tools. The resulting report offered a roadmap for sustainable delivery. The project supported creative enterprise, enabled future council investment decisions, and fostered economic resilience within the local creative economy.

The Lights of Leamington (2025)

I developed and awarded BID Leamington and their consortium a UKSPF funded Arts Grant to develop and manage the delivery of a large-scale cultural revival project in partnership, reigniting the historic Lights of Leamington Festival. With over £140k invested, 12 high-profile events were delivered, attracting thousands, improved power infrastructure in Jephson Gardens, and procured reusable equipment for future events. The festival boosted local pride, supported the evening economy, and positioned Leamington as a cultural destination. It became a flagship example of inclusive placemaking and public celebration.

Hidden Artist Professional Development (2025)

To support underrepresented creatives, I commissioned Sasolo to deliver a new 'Hidden Artist' programme using £36k of UKSPF funds. The initiative provided tailored professional development for 41 artists from marginalised backgrounds, including women, non-binary, neurodivergent and global majority creatives. Capital investment from this UKSPF funding stream also upgraded training spaces and technology in the Royal Spa Centre and Town Hall. This project increased sector confidence, connectivity and visibility, delivering long-term benefits for Warwick District’s creative ecology and employment pipeline.

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