Loved the chat and themes with lots to connections to. I we t to college in Brighton left teaching to perform and set up the Zap Club. Created a series of festivals events and companies in Europe North America and Sri Lanka to bring cutting edge entertainers and artists to new audiences. Sold my art hotel artist residency in Hikkaduwa 2 years ago. Now developing next adventure Neil@neilbutler.org
I first went to Sri Lanka for the surf and my hotel Sunbeach was set up by surfers artist and foodies. The big change has been young exciting owners coming in with fresh ideas and a commitment to quality. I still return with my partner and 9 year old son for the surf and our friends in the community ( I ran a tsunami business recovery ngo for a few years that built 250 boats for the local fishing fleet) personally I’m interested in strategies to support innovative artists find new audiences and develop new business models - sometimes through co- creation with the public. In that regard I’m a big fan of Theaster Gates. I work with some uk festivals promoting commissioning and residencies and mentor lecture and sometimes programme. I’m 71 and still surfing - and enjoying the amazing Lost Shore surf resort in Edinburgh
Loved the chat and themes with lots to connections to. I we t to college in Brighton left teaching to perform and set up the Zap Club. Created a series of festivals events and companies in Europe North America and Sri Lanka to bring cutting edge entertainers and artists to new audiences. Sold my art hotel artist residency in Hikkaduwa 2 years ago. Now developing next adventure Neil@neilbutler.org
Wow bet you saw some changes over there. What's next?
I first went to Sri Lanka for the surf and my hotel Sunbeach was set up by surfers artist and foodies. The big change has been young exciting owners coming in with fresh ideas and a commitment to quality. I still return with my partner and 9 year old son for the surf and our friends in the community ( I ran a tsunami business recovery ngo for a few years that built 250 boats for the local fishing fleet) personally I’m interested in strategies to support innovative artists find new audiences and develop new business models - sometimes through co- creation with the public. In that regard I’m a big fan of Theaster Gates. I work with some uk festivals promoting commissioning and residencies and mentor lecture and sometimes programme. I’m 71 and still surfing - and enjoying the amazing Lost Shore surf resort in Edinburgh
Great listen! Inspired, as always by Sofie + Ed’s story + outlook xx
Indeed 🙏
Love this brings back great memories of Soul & Surf Ahangama community 🪷🏄🏽💖🫶🌴🐒