The Artist Advisor

A Re-introduction to the The Artist Advisor

Dean Melbourne

This is me (I have less hair now). This is in my studio in Stourbridge being interviewed by Cosimo Art.

Hello All,

My name is Dean Melbourne and over the last 6 years I have also been The Artist Advisor.

I think its relevant to mention I am one of the many newly diagnosed with ADHD. This means I have an understanding of how that can affect artists. I also understand the difficulties of working with chronic health conditions. I know that life is real!

If you are here you are likely thinking about whether a mentor or coach could help with your Art/ creative practice. I dont do hard sells or false promises but I can share with you who, what, and how I do what I do and you can decide for yourself!

WHO - I am a 49 year old based in Stourbridge in the West Mids. (I am not physically based in London!). I work most often by Video Call and work and sometimes studio visits.

I graduated in 1999 with a degree in Painting and began teaching in FE. I wrote delivered and assessed a range of courses for 8 years. Next I worked as a museum/ gallery educator in a municipal gallery for around 5 years. There again I designed and delivered educational sessions alongside a permanent collection and contemporary exhibitions.

I then moved into creative industries and arts leadership training as part of a boutique consultancy called Creative Shift. There I learned much from director Helga Henry as we delivered residential and training to leaders and producers of large and small organistations in the arts.

The benifit to you ws that I have a variety of experiences and have picked up some brilliant thiinking and planning tools. This forms the basis of what I share.

Since 2020 I have delivered one to one sessions, day workshops and onloine courses as the artist advisor. I have also worked alongside Cosimo Art to help their education offer and Contemporary Art Academy on their Professional practice course.

Most importantly I have been an artist myself for 26 years. I have experienced the difficulties of early career, the highs of emerging and the lows of reduced visibility. The need to continue to grow creatively and how that works alongside professional practice.

Coming next a post about what working with me is like!