Chameleons in Practice: Managing a Community Arts-Based Program

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Ryan Humphrey

Ryan Humphrey is an Arts and Cultural management lecturer at the University of Manchester. He holds a PhD in Community Music and Cultural Policy from York St John University. His research interests explore community arts practice, cultural policy, and creative placemaking. Before working in academia, Ryan worked as a community musician and arts manager in the North East of England. Ryan is working on a community music and cultural policy monograph for publication in 2026.

ABSTRACT
This article delves into the perceived influence of funders on the approaches of artists and arts managers in managing community-based arts programs. A case study of two community music programs in Northeast England reveals how managers adapt their language, evaluation methods, and program delivery to align with funders’ perceived requirements and ensure program sustainability, a practice referred to as “chameleonic practice.” The findings of this study are particularly pertinent as many artists and arts managers express concerns about cultural funders being out of touch with their work, leading to significant pressure on arts managers. In addition to providing recommendations for addressing this disconnect, the article suggests the need for future research to explore frameworks that support collaborative practices among all stakeholders involved in delivering community arts programs.
KEYWORDS
Community arts; community music; cultural policy; funding; chameleonic practice; language; evaluation