Early bird or night owl?
Both, though probably closer to early bird – once I’m awake, I’m awake. The beneficiary of this is Roly the Dalmatian!
One routine you swear by?
Black coffee brewed in a cafetiere. I’m not quite Lorelai from Gilmore Girls, but I like this start to my day – both the ritual, the contemplation time, and the caffeine kick.
Can’t travel without…?
A pen and paper. I love to sketch on the train, it makes the journeys go so much quicker.
Who or what has influenced you most in your career?
I’ve been lucky to work with some great leaders in arts and culture and at the AMA. Nina Forsyth, who was my manager when I was a Barista at a coffee shop chain, was an inspiring leader. Someone who instilled a lot of confidence in me and would never ask you to do anything that she wouldn’t do herself. Leading by example.
Favourite city to perform in and why?
There are lots, especially as we get to explore the cultural offer of a new host city each year for our conference. For me, Brighton
is up there – a place I did my Art Foundation year at college
and started to find my identity. A place where you feel free to
be yourself.
Guilty pleasure/indulgence?
There are too many to mention! However, one suited to public consumption would be the reality show, Married at First Sight. It’s overblown, car crash TV with a heart that I use to switch off and just absorb. Fabulous trash!
Matt Ecclestone is Head of Membership for Arts Marketing Association (AMA).
To discover more about AMA and their community
of members, visit a-m-a.co.uk
