Extraordinary Creatives

For this episode, Ceri is joined by British Filipino curator, writer and researcher John Kenneth Paranada. He bridges the worlds of art, science and other disciplines to shape global conversations around sustainability, resilience and regenerative practices. They unpack his journey and explore how art is mobilising change and the role institutions like the Sainsbury Centre can play in shaping clim...

In this episode, Ceri explains how to recognise when fear is holding you back, particularly fear of what others think or of rejection. If you are constantly telling yourself you are not ready or good enough to take the next step in your creative journey, in all likelihood it is fear that is holding you back.  Ceri shares some simple strategies any artist can use to recognise, face and overcome the...

Ceri speaks with author and former CEO Margaret Heffernan about embracing uncertainty as a creative tool. From her journey through theatre, BBC production, tech leadership, to becoming a bestselling author, she shares how uncertainty isn't something to fear but a space where possibility thrives. Her latest book also explores how artists navigate and flourish in unpredictability and how in uncertai...

Welcome to the 100th episode of Extraordinary Creatives! One hundred thousand listeners, nineteen months and now ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts and in this episode, Ceri wants to remind you what being an extraordinary creative is all about. KEY TAKEAWAYS You keep showing up, even when it’s messy. You sit with the dualities. You know risk, failure, and mistakes are part of the deal. You ask cur...

Ceri interviews Sherry Dobbin, a cultural strategist whose work spans continents and iconic spaces. From starting in theatre to transforming Times Square, Sherry shares how she crafts meaningful cultural experiences that change how we engage with public spaces. She reveals the secrets behind successful public art, innovative funding models and her approach to helping people engage and not feel int...

Have you ever sat staring at your work, wondering why it’s not resonating? In this episode, Ceri talks about why you might be stuck in how you are being seen, or not seen and why this doesn’t mean you are failing. She shares six real-world strategies to help you shift gears and make your creative practice feel energised, intentional, and visible again. KEY TAKEAWAYS Share the real reason behind yo...

Ceri speaks with Chantelle Purcell, a curator, producer, and visual artist who co-founded Hive Curates and Other Landz. Chantelle shares her experiences, from grassroots creative spaces to large public art projects, discussing how she manages the balance between community engagement, inclusive spaces and the art. With a passion for creating inclusive spaces and championing culturally diverse artis...

In this solo episode, Ceri talks about how museums decide what art to collect and how you can get your work chosen. She reveals the strategic thinking behind how museums select artwork, from collection policies to board decisions and gives advice for artists looking to get their work into prestigious collections. Ceri explains that successful museum acquisitions happen when artists help institutio...

Ceri is joined by Richard Malone, a groundbreaking Irish artist whose work has been commissioned for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Permanent Collection and is held in MoMA. Coming from a working class background in Ireland, Malone talks about forging a unique creative path, rejecting conventional systems, embracing being an outsider and keeping artistic integrity despite opportunities for comme...

Ceri talks about why many artists feel guilty about receiving support. Whether it’s financial, emotional backing or practical help, many struggle with feelings of guilt after asking for or receiving help. Ceri talks about how to shift from guilt to gratitude and embrace support as a fundamental part of the creative process. She also shares how to use reciprocity in a way that feels good for you an...

Ceri interviews award winning filmmaker Halina Dyrschka, whose documentary "Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint" brought worldwide attention to the pioneer of abstract art. Halina shares her creative experiences, from acting and classical singing to filmmaking, the challenges of securing funding for her documentary and her battle against institutional gatekeeping in the art world. She also talks ab...

Ceri talks about something that’s essential for every artist, how to spot your best work and see it objectively. She talks about why it is so important for your artistic career and how you can learn to make choices about your work, from submitting your work to group exhibitions.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Step back and create distance. If you are too close to your work then you will never be able to see it o...

Ceri interviews Rodolfo Groenewoud, co-founder of In4Art an institute pioneering art driven innovation. Rodolfo has secured funding for over 75 experimental projects, working between art and the sciences and industry.  Rodolfo talks about how artists function as influential researchers, capable of changing businesses and scientific breakthroughs through their unique thought processes. He demonstra...

What if the biggest thing stopping you from selling your art is the way you think about selling? Join Ceri in this short solo episode as she talks about how you can fix your mindset around sales and sell more of your art. KEY TAKEAWAYS Selling your art isn’t selling out but about backing yourself. You will keep finding reasons you can’t sell if you are holding onto this idea. BEST MOMENTS "Selling...

Ceri speaks to art collectors Darryl de Prez and Victoria Thomas about their art collection, their approach to collecting and their views on why the art world needs to start recognising the true cost of art. They share their 30 year journey from meeting at the Courtauld Institute to building a stunning contemporary art collection. They talk about how their home has become an intimate evolving gall...

In this solo episode, Ceri talks about a common thing that holds artists and creatives back, waiting for funding, permission or the perfect time to get started. She shares why there is never a perfect time to start and how to succeed as an artist in any field, is just to begin and make things happen. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Work Comes Before the Money: Funding follows momentum, funders, collectors, comm...

Ceri welcomes Emma Richardson, a polymath creative who seamlessly navigates music and visual art. Currently the bassist and vocalist for Pixies while maintaining her painting career, Emma talks about creative courage and change. She shares her experience with Band of Skulls, her pivot towards painting during lockdown and her unexpected invitation to join one of rock's most influential bands. Emma'...

In this solo episode, Ceri talks about a truth many artists and creatives struggle with: Success won’t change your life. We’re told that success is the finish line, but this is far from the truth, success is fleeting and life carries on afterwards. Ceri talks about what success really means for creatives and artists and how changing your mindset around it can help you build and live a more fulfill...

Ceri is joined by Marcelle Joseph, an American independent curator and collector based in the UK whose collection champions female identifying and queer artists. Marcelle talks about her journey from corporate lawyer to art world innovator, revealing how early influences in material culture shaped her curatorial vision. With over 50 exhibitions curated since 2011, she discusses her feminist focuse...

Tired of shouting into the void? In this episode Ceri reveals how creators can find their perfect audience without compromising artistic integrity. Using climate crisis art as a case study, Ceri demonstrates how identifying ideal clients can transform creative careers. Rather than changing your work to please others, it's about strategically connecting with those who already resonate with your mes...

Ceri is joined by Rosalie Schweiker, a South German artist and cultural organiser reimagining how art can drive social justice. As co-director at Migrants in Culture, Rosalie shares her journey from EU citizen to confronting the UK's hostile immigration system and how this transformed her creativity. The conversation explores motherhood's impact on creativity, building collective driven organisati...

Ready to stop waiting for that elusive cash fairy and actually make 2025 the year your bank account catches up with your creative talents? Ceri explains how artists and creatives can rewire their financial mindsets to elevate their earnings in 2025.  Ceri reveals practical accountability frameworks, goal setting techniques and mindset shifts that turn vague money hopes into tangible results.  This...

Ceri explores the future of cultural spaces with Seb Chan, the director & CEO of ACMI, where he is redefining how museums connect with their audiences. Seb talks about his evolution from experimental music producer to museum innovator and reveals how his background in creating immersive musical experiences has shaped his approach to museum design. Seb’s unique experiences and professional knowledg...

Moving beyond the myth that bigger is always better, Ceri reveals what actually works: intentional, strategic, and well placed moves. Building the right relationships, choosing the right projects and being open to unexpected opportunities. In this short episode, Ceri shares the power of the "3P Exercise" (Possibility, Person, Place) and talks through how you can maximise your effort in the right w...

Ceri speaks with Claire Luxton, a British artist who is revolutionising the art world through her multidisciplinary approach. From self portraiture to large public installations, Claire shares her thoughts on pricing artwork, building authentic brand collaborations and maintaining creative integrity while achieving commercial success.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Claire has developed a distinctive artistic proc...