“Rather than an ‘off the shelf’ package, it felt like STAF’s support began with PERKY,
reflected our unique circumstances and who we are, and went from there.”
- Holly Stratton and Ono Dafedjaiye a.k.a. PERKY

A small group of people sit round a table to listen to a workshop facilitator, a slide reading Practical Dreaming Workshop Day 1 in the background

Practical Dreaming is STAF’s bespoke support for artists, creative leaders and small artist-led organisations who want to think about their longer-term future; and turn their vision into practical next steps.


It creates space to step back from immediate demands, look at the bigger picture and explore how your creative work can move forward more sustainably.


IS PRACTICAL DREAMING FOR YOU?

Practical Dreaming may be useful if you are:

  • thinking beyond your next project or funding deadline;

  • developing a purpose-led creative practice, project or organisation;

  • returning to your practice, changing direction or entering a new stage of leadership;

  • juggling different ideas and responsibilities;

  • feeling overstretched and needing to decide what to focus on.

You do not need to arrive with a fully formed plan. We begin by listening and understanding what matters to you.

LOOKING BACK, TAKING STOCK AND MOVING FORWARD

Practical Dreaming usually takes place through a series of focused conversations, with time for reflection and action between sessions.

Starting with the experience, knowledge and strengths you have already built, we help you take stock of where you are now, clarify where you want to go and identify practical ways forward.

It is not an off-the-shelf programme. We shape each engagement around the person or organisation, drawing on and developing different approaches to fit their circumstances, ambitions and ways of working.

Many business development programmes assume that people have similar access to time, money, networks and opportunities. We know this is not the case. Practical Dreaming starts with your circumstances and the realities of your creative work, with support grounded in lived experience.

For us, being practical does not mean reducing creative ambition. It means considering the time, money, energy and capacity needed to sustain the work—as well as the wellbeing of the people making it happen.

Practical Dreaming can help you:

  • understand and articulate your purpose more clearly;

  • recognise the strengths and assets you already have;

  • grow confidence in the professional knowledge and skills that complement your creative practice;

  • identify what to prioritise—and what to set aside;

  • turn longer-term thinking into focused, manageable action.


Read more about Practical Dreaming through our case studies with PERKY and Gin Wilson of Faggamuffin Bloc Party.

WAYS TO TAKE PART

Practical Dreaming is available as bespoke support for individuals or organisations, delivered online or in person. 

We have also developed an in-person Practical Dreaming workshop for small groups, combining individual reflection with shared learning.

GET IN TOUCH

Every Practical Dreaming engagement begins with a conversation. Get in touch to tell us about your work, what you would like to explore and how we might support you.

Contact us for a free first conversation.