Brighton Festival, the biggest curated cross-arts festival in England, builds on an incredibly rich arts and cultural scene, rooted in a network of partnerships, organisations and independent artists in an extraordinary architecture and landscape. In a special event organised by the School of Media, Arts and Humanities, Brighton Festival’s Andrew Comben (Chief Executive) and Beth Burgess (Executive Producer) took us behind the scenes to explain what makes the festival so special. They also shared useful tips on how to develop a career in the arts sector. 

‘How to Run a Festival: Masterclass from Leaders of the Brighton Festival’ was presented as a discussion and workshop with Sussex experts in sustainability, creative practice and policy. Members of the audience came up with brilliant questions which sparked rich dialogues. 

Highlights from a range of Brighton Festivals were showcased, reflecting on the visions of its legendary Guest Directors, including writer and honorary Sussex graduate Ali Smith, Malian musician Rokia Traoré and looking ahead to 2022 and the incredible Syrian architect Marwa Al-Sabouni and global site-specific theatre genius Tristan Sharps.  

Professor Margaretta Jolly, who chaired the event said “As the live arts scene confronts demands for environmentally-sustainable, diverse and inclusive cultural action, our event was an opportunity to come and celebrate the story and people who are taking the festival forward to reinvent and renew our regional and national creative economy.There was a great turnout and engagement from students, and many students stayed behind to talk more closely about festival ideas including in India, Qatar and Zimbabwe. Andrew and Beth said they’d thoroughly enjoyed meeting us all. Thank you, also, to Stuart Robinson, the University’s photographer, for capturing the event beautifully!” 

Speakers included:  

Andrew Comben  

Born in Australia, Andrew Comben began his UK career at Wigmore Hall in 1994, moving to artist manager for Young Concert Artists Trust and Music International. He then became Director of the Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme, returning to Wigmore Hall as Head of Artistic Planning in 2003. 

Andrew joined Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival as Chief Executive in 2008 and has developed a vision for the organisation as a year-round centre of artistic activity, involving all areas of the community in the performing arts. Together, the organisation reaches an annual audience in excess of 650,000 across its diverse events programme.  

He established the Guest Director model for Brighton Festival in 2009, securing world renowned artists to inspire the annual programme each May, including Anish Kapoor, Laurie Anderson, Kae Tempest, David Shrigley and Lemn Sissay. The 2022 Guest Directors are Syrian architect Marwa al-Sabouni and Brighton-based theatre artist Tristan Sharps. 

Andrew is currently overseeing the completion of the major refurbishment of Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre venues, due to re-open next year.   

Beth Burgess 

Having travelled the world over as a Stage manager and Producer, Beth has very happily landed in Brighton and stayed in one place for over 15 years, a record. She is delighted and very lucky to be the Festival Executive Producer and Director of Production for Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival. Over the past 6 festivals she has had the wonderful opportunity to work with extraordinary artists and many of Brighton and Hove’s creative partners and communities and looks forward to continuing to do so. Having worked with Lincoln Center, Disney, San Francisco Opera, SalzburgerFestspiele, the Festival d’Automne à Paris, Munich Biennale, The Holland Festival, The Helsinki Festival along with a raft of theatres and artists from around the world has given her a passion for the vitality and importance of creativity, no matter where you come from or who you are.  

Beth has produced for the Southbank Centre and The Barbican Centre before coming to Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and has extensive experience in producing both commercial and participatory projects. She is very interested in audience and community development and believes whole heartedly that the arts are, can and should be for everyone.   

Ed Hughes 

Ed makes composing music more accessible to younger students of all ages and backgrounds, as well as creating innovative songs, symphonies and sounds about Brighton and the Sussex landscape, including the South Downs Songbook. 

Luka Shaxson 

Luka graduated with a BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance from the University of Sussex in 2022. She has volunteered and worked for arts organisations, including the Brighton Festival. In 2022 she was also employed as a research assistant to a project exploring sustainability practices in Sussex festivals. 

Rutendo Bako 

Rutendo graduated with an MA in Cultural and Creative Industries from the University of Sussex in 2022. She is an Events and Festival Coordinator at Dzimbanhete Arts and Culture Interactions in Zimbabwe and has many years of experience in contemporary museums, festivals and events management. 

‘How to Run a Festival: Masterclass from Leaders of the Brighton Festival’ was supported by the School of Media, Arts and Humanities at the University of Sussex, co-sponsored with the Business School and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre at the University of Sussex. It was free of charge and all were welcome to join.