I start writing this in a place ideal for contemplating rural arts, the New Forest. Having spent a week down on the south coast, the fresh air and rurality reminds me of where I grew up. I've lived in cities for the last 6 years and a large town for about 5 years before that, so rural arts had become a thing of the past.

Well, here on Voice it's 'affordable art' month and I know that's handy after the Christmas splurge. For me it's not about the Boxing Day spend bonanza, or even the cost of presents. It's the cost of travel to see everyone and the meals out!

Life's a laugh sometimes isn't it? And frankly so can be gaining your qualifications!

The team have covered numerous festivals which have all ranged in shape and style so much that what 'defines a festival' cannot be anything material. For me I think it must be about the passion and shared values of the audience & creators.

Halloween to me always seems like a great opportunity for interactive arts And creating daring work. My background is Theatre and the concept of Theatre of the Oppressed excites me. Direct audience engagement and creating something that not only wows audiences but brings them in as participants too.

Polictics is key to life. Our democratic system is the cornerstone of our society. And arts are a foundation upon which to build. You should embrace politics, and make of it what you will.

It's not as bad as people are saying

A summary of my dissertation, submitted the month before the General Election

With a specific focus on the backstage theatre industry, is being a multi-skilled practitioner a help or a hindrance within the industry today? Can someone market themselves as having skills in multiple departments? And how important is it for someone who has chosen to specialise to have a knowledge of other departments?

Getting involved in festivals can be a great way of getting experience in the industry and getting access to events, as I found out reviewing and volunteering at this year's Durham Book Festival.

To my camera: I like it best when we are as one. My eye against yours.

Just over one month after I joined Unit Twenty Three as an apprentice, and so far it's gone pretty well!