Holding Space: Leadership Skills of Artists

Let's Create: Do We Know How To?

In this conversation Naomi talks to Theatre Director Tanushka Marah about how she olds space in the work that she co-creates with young people. Tanushka talks about this skill when co-creating as being like 'foraging in the dark'. She describes the moments of holding space when the energy is potent and not being afraid of emptiness and to hold questions and silence. She talks about the importance of creating a shared vision in advance but not knowing what the content will be. She likes to find the energy, then the content, then the words when co-creating. For her, this is particularly important when working with young people who may be neurodivergent or academically less confident.

Tanushka talks about holding your nerve alongside holding the space. She talks about being incredibly open and receptive to everyone's ideas, almost like having eyes and ears all over your body. She also talks about the importance of being aligned with what is going on in the room - for her to hold the space she needs to be able to let go of her day and be fully present.

If the artist as leader does not hold space, then the group dynamics can take over in an unhealthy way. The artist watching and listening is a safe container for play and exploration to take place. Tanushka talks about how you are hyper aware of everyone in the room simultaneously while you are working creatively. She also talks about how exhausting it can be to hold space, particularly when delivering one off workshops.

Tanushka argues that the skill of holding the space is everything when leading co-creative practice. People need to feel heard, valued and deeply listened to, as that is when we reach our artistry; a playful, brave space where we can awaken all the parts of us. She talks about the way that a culture is established in the space, which lets people know what the norms of behaviour are in that space.