Growing into new spaces: Linda Begbie and Rakhi Singh in conversation

Kathryn Stott & Rakhi Singh at King’s Place. Photo: Chris Payne

Despite frost in the hills this week, spring is well and truly in the air. It’s a season of growth, and the Collective is not immune to that great leap forward. During the winter months our creative team has been pulling together, absorbing change and making plans. As we reached the end of another joyful tour – The Unfurrowed Field – our Artistic Director Rakhi Singh and Chief Executive Linda Begbie sat down to reflect. You can read the conversation with our leadership team below…

What does Manchester Collective look like in 2024? What's different, and how are you keeping the core of Manchester Collective through this period of change?

Linda: It's definitely the next phase in the organisation's lifecycle. We're moving from those formative years to something more mature I guess. I think leaning into that maturation process is important to remaining authentic. We're an artist-led organisation, always assessing and iterating our practice – so evolution is essential. Hopefully we also gain some wisdom along the way!

Rakhi: Yes, there’s two levels to what we do, isn’t there... In our musical work, we plan ahead for about a year and a half. So artistically, we feel settled because we know what's coming up. However, behind the scenes, deep change is happening, I’ve really felt that. New spaces are opening out, and people are growing into these new spaces. Overall, it feels really positive.

Linda: We're recruiting a new artistic lead who will work with Rakhi as a co-artistic director, to shape the artistic programme from 2025 onwards. I’m excited to see the new ideas and approach they'll bring, aren’t you Rakhi? And we're open-minded about where they might come from and who they might be.

Rakhi: Yes, it’s really exciting to embrace the new while retaining the core values which ground us. We’ll definitely continue to support and challenge artists to dig deep and produce the work that calls them. And ironically eclecticism, which is our hallmark, will be key to continuity.

I think that change is the catalyst for growth. The lockdown forced us to think differently, and that adaptability is part of our DNA. As human beings, we're often a bit scared of change, but it's actually the place where you can reach your potential. 

Linda: Yes, pushing boundaries and embracing change is inherent to the creative process. If you're feeling right to the edges of your practice, then change is inherent. You just need the courage to feel around for it, and listen to what it’s telling you. It's like adapting to the changing environment in nature; it makes us stronger.

What opportunities do you foresee during this maturation period?

Rakhi: I can’t wait to see more of a range of artistic voices in our community come through. The Collective should be a platform for diverse expressions – we want to allow new voices to flourish. And the shift in leadership allows us to explore new collaborations and approaches.

Linda: We've built a solid foundation artistically and organisationally, and this transition feels like it’s come at the right time. It's a natural progression.

Rakhi: Yes, exactly. Adam Szabo [co-founding director] had incredible drive and, with the support of a brilliant team, got this organisation into the world and established a foothold. Now, it's about evolving and exploring while staying true to ourselves. It's never about simply repeating what we've already done, or what we already know. It's about seeing what we can do next – going to places we don’t know, having the guts to try things out.

Linda: Would you say MC is transitioning from energetic teenager to young adult?!

Rakhi: Absolutely! Although we gained rapid recognition over the past few years, we can’t get carried away – we need to keep our focus on the substance of what we're doing, which is being led by genuine artistic curiosity and a commitment to the work.

Linda: Yeah, I agree. And as the oldest member of the team I can honestly say that radical human experiences get better, more intense, more precious as you get older. They should be a lifelong ambition, I really care about that. And sustainability is key. To be honest, sustainability is my primary focus. Sustaining the creative process, sustaining our community and sustaining, evolving, the art form itself. Viewing everything through the lens of sustainability really guides my decision-making at the moment.

Rakhi: Yes, we can’t just charge on unilaterally, a sensitivity and awareness to how we’re all connected is really fundamental... Linda and I talk about that a lot.

Linda: And in case that sounds too esoteric, brass tacks are also front and centre. While we're passionate about the magic art bestows, we’ve got to get better at talking openly about what it costs to make. Critical acclaim and full auditoriums are our lifeline, but my goodness—we sometimes feel uncomfortably hand-to-mouth financially. I’d say that if people in our following share our values and mission, then supporting us through collective action is the single biggest thing they can do to help. We’re small enough to feel every bump in the road so every donation gets noticed. And also we’ve made many new friends through our supporter network… great to see some at last year’s Christmas party!!

Rakhi: Yes, it’s true! We get to meet such interesting people.

Sean Shibe & Manchester Collective at The White Hotel. Photo: Chris Payne

And what does the near future look like for Manchester Collective?

Linda: Well, it’s an exciting time to be based in the northwest. Manchester's arts scene is thriving, with so many young people putting down roots here. There's a sense of ambition which is part of the fabric of this region. I do love this part of the world. It’s got some entrenched socioeconomic challenges, but also an incredible determination to address them. 

Rakhi: And music is just as important as ever. We know that it’s so, so important for the health of people. Music helps us express things which we don't have the words for. This includes classical music. The idea that the things humans were communicating to each other about 300 years ago isn't relevant now, is kind of bonkers. We know the visceral themes endure. At the Collective we play music – no matter when it was written or for what genre – that makes us FEEL something. So we can share the deepest parts of ourselves with the people who come to see our shows. That’s the way to have meaningful connections with audiences from all sorts of backgrounds and circumstances, in my view. It’s the glue.

In terms of the programme, we’re just as committed to commissioning new work and showcasing diverse performances. We have a range of new artists and collaborations to be announced with our 24/25 Season – I can’t wait to dive in and see what we can cook up.

Linda: And we're excited about the scale of the new shows, from small intimate ones to the large-scale productions. So watch this space!