JO ASKHAM

Jo Askaham is an experienced Arts Manager.  After studying Technical Theatre Jo worked as a technician at Kings College, London and Middlesex Polytechnic. After the birth of my son Jo remained at Middlesex lecturing part time in stagecraft. I helped to set up a BTEC in Performing Arts at Barnet College where she taught stagecraft and arts administration.

In 1989 I joined the team at the Maltings Arts Theatre in St Albans working as Festival Administrator/Production Manager whilst continuing to teach at Barnet. Over the next nine years she worked part time for the Theatre covering marketing, front of house and financial administration. During this time Jo also undertook freelance contracts included event management projects for Zippos Circus, Aylesbury Vale District Council and St Neots Council.

In 1998 Jo took over as manager of the Maltings Arts Theatre, a role that included both artistic and operational responsibilities. Holding this post for nearly seven years before moving to the newly created job of Arts Development Manager, part of the new Leisure Management Contract with St Albans District Council. Jo now manages a team of one full time and one part time Arts Development Officer and a Festival Co-ordinator. Between them the team deliver the annual St Albans Festival, the Music in the Parks series and community outreach workshops with a wide range of client groups.