Lisa Eaton - Ooju Arts Management and Consultancy

Case Study

Creativity Works! Creative Networks! Programme

Ooju Arts Management and Consultancy is an independent dance management agency, established to meet the needs of artists, choreographers and arts organisations.  Ooju plays a vital role in the sustainability of dance management in Yorkshire and the Humber within the UK's dance sector.

Ooju exists to produce, manage and facilitate artist ideas within the world of dance whilst continually developing dance and other art forms at the highest professional level.  Alongside dealing with artist, company and project management, international and national touring (booking and management) and fundraising, Ooju manages Finance, Press and Marketing, Consultancy and Arts in Education.

Lisa Eaton of Ooju came to CIDA looking for some independent outside advice.  She was assigned to the BDA Creativity Works programme and began one-to-one sessions with a Business Mentor.  This allowed Lisa to discuss her work and future aspiration for growth and development within the organisation and gave her the opportunity to identify key areas that needed to be addressed.  As a result, Lisa gained the confidence to implement business changes that lead to new opportunities and development.  Lisa now employs a part time administrator, allowing her the freedom to undertake more work.

Lisa says:

"Working independently can be quite isolating and it's very easy to focus inwardly on solely trying to survive as a new business....With the experience, expertise and support provided by my mentor I have been able to think and plan strategically in how to achieve my goals rather than just hoping I would get there....The creative sector specific courses such as 'survival skills' are excellent as are the networking exchanges that not only introduce you to like minded people but act as a forum for sharing new ideas and information of future events.   

Thank you CIDA for providing a much-needed service!"
                   
Lisa's mentor Sue Hayton says of her client:

"Working with Lisa has been a pleasure, she is very committed to her personal development and this has contributed to her becoming more focused in what she wants to achieve.  I think the CIDA mentoring allows people like Lisa to take time to make informed decisions about their future and provides them with the tools to build and develop their business in the direction they want them to go."

For more information, please contact info@ooju.co.uk