"A whirlwind 6 years!" Laura Gabe steps down as Non-Exec Director

abstract lines on pink that represent green spaces in Bristol

As one of our Non-Executive directors, Laura Gabe, steps down she reflects on her "whirlwind" journey with Rising Arts Agency

Hi, I’m Laura, one of the Non-Executive Director for Rising Arts Agency.

Unfortunately I won't be saying that for much longer, as I’ve made the decision to take a step down from my role. I’ve been so incredibly blessed to have been the Non-Exec Director for Rising’s lifetime and this is a very bittersweet moment for me.

From the very beginning

I initially got involved with Rising at the very beginning - and I mean the very beginning! I met Kamina, Rising’s Founder and previous Director, through my university lecturer whilst I was studying Fine Art at UWE. I was (and still am) very passionate about accessibility and inclusivity within the creative sector and was keen to do something about creating new opportunities. My lecturer put me in touch with Kamina, who had already started working up plans to build an organisation that would tackle these issues.

Together, Kamina and I started meeting regularly in her studio space or in the Spike Island coffee shop, to brainstorm, plan, plot and create. I even remember our process of coming up with the name! Every time we met, we brought with us a list of 10-20 singular words that resonated with us.

Of course, "Rising" was the word that made the final cut.

One of my favourite projects from those early days was our partnership with Situations UK, where I and others from the Rising community were commissioned to work as Digital Storytellers for Theaster Gates’ Bristol based project, 'Sanctum'.

"This is the beauty of Rising – we are always reflecting. Nothing can and should always stay the same, that’s how growth is stunted."

When I graduated from University, I made the tough choice to venture out of Bristol. I took some incredible opportunities doing (paid!) internships at other arts organisations and - an amazing experience in seeing how the sector works. Because of my fundraising experience helping Rising to get off the ground, I began to get involved with fundraising activities at other arts organisations and my career in Development began.

Now, as Senior Development Manager at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, I couldn’t imagine doing anything other than fundraising. I am so lucky to love my job - and I put the opportunities I’ve had, and my career development, all down to my time at Rising.

The Importance of reflection

As Non-Exec, my role has been more than just signing off on the annual accounts. I’ve been able to work closely with the Directors, Team and Community to support Rising in kicking ass at every turn. Similar to the role of a Trustee for a Registered Charity (Rising is a Community Interest Company which is slightly different although still charitable in mission), there has been some responsibilities that have remained fixed but as with everything Rising does, we’ve interrogated the role of the Board/Non-Execs to ensure its right for Rising.

Over the years, we’ve looked at the differences and similarities between the wider Board and the Non-Execs, thinking about the strengths and roles they play. This is the beauty of Rising – we are always reflecting. Nothing can and should always stay the same, that’s how growth is stunted. That goes for all types of organisations. We only make progress, grow and thrive when we are able to look critically at the way we work, both at the positives and the things that didn’t quite go to plan. It’s important to recognise that trying different ways of working is how we learn the best way.

Never too far from my heart.

I have to admit, I did get a little emotional at the last Board meeting. I honestly cannot thank Rising enough – that includes everyone who I have had the pleasure to work with over the years - for the role it has played in my life.

I will forever be Rising’s no.1 fan, biggest advocate and life-long supporter.

We want to thank Laura for her incredible input into making Rising what it is. As one of the 'foremothers' of the agency at just 19 years old, Laura's drive for accessibility, inclusivity and genuine opportunities for young people runs through every aspect of our work - even 6 years later. Thank you for your gorgeous and graceful stewardship and leadership.

Putting young people at the heart of governance and shaping the agency is what we do best. If this is something you'd like to explore in your organisation, get in touch.