The Programming Committee

How do we programme shows and exhibitions?

Most arts centres have one or two staff members responsible for programming shows, events and exhibitions. At the Old Fire Station, we’re interested in sharing power, and involving our community in what we do. So we started a Programming Committee.

The committee is made up of a cross-section of people from Oxford. Some are audience members, some are artists. Some have experience of homelessness and tough times, some don’t. Some have worked with us before on creative projects, and some have never worked with us before at all.

How it works

We recieve applications and expressions of interest to be part of our public programme.

The committee meets once a month. At that meeting, they are shown the applications and asked to vote on whether they think the show or exhibition should be programmed.

The staff team then meet to discuss those votes and comments. They act on them to develop the final programme. If they disagree with the verdict of the committee, they explain why.

Can I join?

We will be recruiting for a new group at some point in 2023. Watch this space!

What's it really like?

“The programming committee is a gratifying and fruitful get-together filled with tea, biscuits, insight and vision.

It is an informal and informing intro into the inner cogs of an arts centre. Prospective acts and exhibitions are discussed, mulled over and matched up against criteria which promote equality, diversity and business. It’s an educational and edifying monthly experience that’s packed with discussion, debate and democracy.

It’s a safe environment where opposing opinions and points of view are nurtured and valued. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It thrives on difference and divergence.

We have a laugh and listen to each other. It’s rewarding, remunerative and enriching.

There’s a lot to be gained and exchanged at every meet. I’d recommend it to anyone with even the tiniest interest in the arts. The more unsure, the better. It’s a place where everyone counts and every voice is crucial.

I love it. I think what I find most compelling is the range and array of reactions. Valid arguments vary and vie wildly, but always rub with respect and revelation. Its facets are endlessly fascinating. My thoughts have been altered on many occasions. There’s always good food to help nourish your brain.”

2022-23 participant

Members of the Programming Committee

Amar
Claire Frampton
Ellis
Giorgia Ambo
James
Johanna Tagada-Hoffbeck
Krissie
Lucia Kali
Mark Taylor
Meghana Geetha
Nathan Grassi
Neil Mukherjee
Thomas Aubrey-Fletcher
Thomas Page
Usha dapur Kar

2023 shows selected by the programming committee

Rachel Fairburn

28 January 2023 | “Very much the Rock ‘n’ Roll Star of British comedy” – Rolling Stone

Book now

In PurSUEt

15 February 2023 | A delusional Sue Perkins super-fan relays her adventures pursuing Sue.

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The Oxford Revue Strikes Back

17 & 18 February 2023 | An evening of sketches, music and more, celebrating the Oxford Revue’s 70th anniversary.

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Peacock

22 February 2023 | An uplifting, hilarious and authentic look at the taboo surrounding men wearing makeup.

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Another Lover’s Discourse ليه خلّتني أحبك

2 March 2023 | An inventive new multimedia performance, from one of Palestine’s most exciting contemporary artists.

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This Is Not Therapy & Door to Door Poetry: Nationwide

19 April 2023 | Two fantastic spoken-word poets for the price of one!

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Christine Bovill’s Piaf

21 April 2023 | No glamour. No gimmicks. No pretence. Just a voice, singing of life's triumphs and tragedies.

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5 Years

19 May 2023 | Would you exchange five years of your life for the perfect body?

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Hollie McNish with Michael Pedersen

12 July 2023 | Spoken word from two brilliant poets.

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Rhys Nicholson: Rhys Rhys Rhys

21 June 2023 | ★★★★★ "An absolute master of the form." - TimeOut

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Ria Lina: Riawakening

23 September 2023 | ★★★★ “I guarantee you will laugh a lot.” – The Scotsman

On sale soon