My Gurus

Val Bourne

When I was in my mid-twenties, a chance meeting with Val in the foyer of the Institute of Contemporary Arts unexpectedly propelled me forward into the world of programming and artist development. She was looking for someone to manage the Yolande Snaith dance company and the performance group Ralf Ralf. Whilst I didn't take up her offer, her suggestion did plant the seed of the idea that I could consider working with artists as a producer instead of pursuing my career as an artist – I was trying to establish myself as a theatre designer at the time. She sent me off to CINARS, the arts market in Montreal, to run the booth for young UK artists including Ra-Ra Zoo, with whom I was working part-time. Being thrown in at the deep end by Val was my first training for the job I now do.