Mutiny at MillcARTS (part 1)

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Jason gets the news

 Jason, Artistic Director of MillcARTS, arrives at the office a little earlier than usual. He’d been dreaming about this moment for two months now, since he got the job. He slits open the envelope bearing the Lottery logo. A few nervous sips of frappucino later and he’s chirping on the phone to the founder, Marcus, an ageing actor who had once enjoyed a certain amount of sitcom fame.

“We got it! £250,000! Simon is such a pessimist. No wonder MillcARTs hasn’t expanded in 12 years. The days of small thinking are over. I’m going to organise a launch to get the word out and create a buzz!"

It was this infectious enthusiasm that Marcus had spotted and liked at interview. He suggests the names of a few local celebrity friends which sparks Jason off in a new direction. What about showcasing local talent?  Bands, comedians, maybe even some aerial work? He gazes out of the cramped office window, “Maverick Young Artistic Director shakes up Millcaster” he could see the headlines now! This grant was going to put MillcARTS onto the ‘what’s hottest’ list, and put him firmly at its centre.

In fact, the grant was earmarked to make the old office more accessible for wheelchair users and for building a multi-purpose studio in the Mill. This would house all community arts classes and double up as a performance space when required. However, for Jason this grant was a catalyst for dynamic change.

Full steam ahead

Jason picks up the phone to Volunteers4U realising the growing list of things to do with Simon not back until Monday.

“They’ll be working with the Artistic Director to create a celebrity launch event.” He checks the budget which has £5000 earmarked for a launch and pounces on the phone to book the acts. At lunch he goes to the Mill Café and bumps into Jamoke from the Millcaster Mercury.

“You look happy about something”. Jason enthuses about the grant. “I’m organising an amazing launch ...guess who the compere is? Eamonn Evans from the TV game show.“ Jamoke looks surprised. “He’s an old friend of Marcus - quite a coup! Millcaster Musical Youth is going to perform a scene from Hairspray and there’s storytelling pyrotechnics to end the night.”

Jason’s excitement works a treat on Jamoke. “That’s just what Millcaster needs. Can I get a few details down? This is a lead story.”

Simon’s return

The following week Simon, the General Manager strolls into the office exuding a relaxed post holiday glow. He puts his bag away and is about to sit down when he stops. Was this some kind of joke?  Was that Marcus and Simon on the front page of the Millcaster Mercury with the headline: “Luck of the Lottery. MillcARTS to host a star studded party”? Had they got the grant? When? And why was he the last to know? After all, it was his meticulous attention to financial detail that made the application credible. “What stars? There was no money for…” He read on with an anxious feeling in the pit of his belly.

Confrontation

By the time Jason swans into the office, Simon’s holiday had become a distant memory. Jason asks what he thinks of the great news.“Great? It would have been great if you hadn’t jeopardised it with all this mumbo jumbo.” He slams the paper onto the desk, “How could you do this without consulting me? ” Jason had foreseen this reaction replying that it was called Marketing, something the Board had asked him to do more of. “But at whose expense? Who’s supposed to pay for all this?" Jason waves the spreadsheet and showing him the words “Launch Event -£5000.” “That’s for the final launch - after the build and refurb. None of what you promise in the article is in the application. You’re not authorised to make these decisions.”

There’s a knocking at the door but neither of them hear it.

“Why not? I’m Artistic Director, its my job to make these kind of decisions.” How was he supposed to know which launch was which if it was not clearly marked on the budget? Another knock on the door but Jason and Simon are locked in conflict.

“I’ve struck a great deal with Eamonn, don’t panic,” says Jason reassuringly. Simon points out other costs like insurance, lighting and artist fees. Feeling cornered, Jason puts his foot down once and for all. “If we overspend a bit now we’ll reign it in later. For heaven’s sake, let’s just buckle down and get on with it.”

Simon had had enough. “You’re not my boss. I ran this company for 12 years and you breeze in and think you can…I’m calling Frida. The Chair needs to sort this out.” Neither of them saw the young woman who had entered the office a few moments ago with a suitcase at her feet.

“Hiya guys. I’m Shania. Volunteers 4U? Ring a bell? I’m here to help Jason with this celebrity launch thingy.”

Silence. “Well Jason, it seems that your new PA is here, you better show her around.”

Have your say

• How should the Chair deal with the situation?
• Shouldn't Marcus have advised Jason to speak to Simon?
  
• Is it too late to cancel the event?
• What should Jason and Simon do to develop a better working relationship?
  

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Other episodes

Read Mutiny at MillcARTS (part 2).

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