Mark Robinson
@thinkingpractice.bsky.social
Writer, researcher, adviser, coach etc. cultural sector and intersections. Thinking Practice. / www.thinkingpractice.co.uk
It's Annual Birthday Girl by Microdisney Day here, to mark me listening to it when I walked home from hospital after the birth of my firstborn, 35 today. And every 13 November since.
"She was tired, it was dawn, when she heard the nurse say 'it's a baby boy'"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQpz...
"She was tired, it was dawn, when she heard the nurse say 'it's a baby boy'"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQpz...
Microdisney "Birthday Girl" live in Dublin
YouTube video by Country Mile
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:44 PM
It's Annual Birthday Girl by Microdisney Day here, to mark me listening to it when I walked home from hospital after the birth of my firstborn, 35 today. And every 13 November since.
"She was tired, it was dawn, when she heard the nurse say 'it's a baby boy'"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQpz...
"She was tired, it was dawn, when she heard the nurse say 'it's a baby boy'"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQpz...
November 8, 2025 at 12:47 PM
I learnt today that Katie Lam has written several musicals. One for the ‘oh really?’ column next time there’s an argument you’re not fully human without the arts in your life.
October 31, 2025 at 9:11 AM
I learnt today that Katie Lam has written several musicals. One for the ‘oh really?’ column next time there’s an argument you’re not fully human without the arts in your life.
Just pulled out of guest lecture to an MA as the uni changed its terms so the fee would have been a princely £34.32, as I was building on last year's lecture. Students are mainly international paying £30,000 each. Make it make sense.
Sympathies to all stuck in the cogs of the HE industrial complex.
Sympathies to all stuck in the cogs of the HE industrial complex.
October 29, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Just pulled out of guest lecture to an MA as the uni changed its terms so the fee would have been a princely £34.32, as I was building on last year's lecture. Students are mainly international paying £30,000 each. Make it make sense.
Sympathies to all stuck in the cogs of the HE industrial complex.
Sympathies to all stuck in the cogs of the HE industrial complex.
Reposted by Mark Robinson
Louvre Thieves Given Immunity After Confirming Jewels Stolen For Purpose Of Training AI Software https://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2025/10/20/louvre-thieves-given-immunity-after-confirming-jewels-stolen-for-purpose-of-training-ai-software/
Louvre Thieves Given Immunity After Confirming Jewels Stolen For Purpose Of Training AI Software
FRENCH POLICE have immediately ended all efforts to recover priceless Napoleon-era jewellery from the Louvre taken in a daring heist after it emerged the jewels were merely stolen for the purposes of training AI software.
When …
waterfordwhispersnews.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Louvre Thieves Given Immunity After Confirming Jewels Stolen For Purpose Of Training AI Software https://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2025/10/20/louvre-thieves-given-immunity-after-confirming-jewels-stolen-for-purpose-of-training-ai-software/
Nothing against this mayor, a good one so far as I see/hear (see Private Eye for other sorts), but I hate how the mayoral model inevitably leads to "*I’m* developing a thriving creative economy in the North East". For modest grants that would have been sorted by LA arts officers when I were a lad.
Projects ranging from transforming a Working Men’s Club into a contemporary electronic music venue to an Anglo-Saxon festive gathering have secured financial backing as part of the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ £360,000 Events and Festival fund.
North East Mayor’s £360k funding to fuel region's ‘thriving creative economy’ - Arts Professional
Projects ranging from transforming a Working Men’s Club into a contemporary electronic music venue to an Anglo-Saxon festive gathering have secured financial
www.artsprofessional.co.uk
October 16, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Nothing against this mayor, a good one so far as I see/hear (see Private Eye for other sorts), but I hate how the mayoral model inevitably leads to "*I’m* developing a thriving creative economy in the North East". For modest grants that would have been sorted by LA arts officers when I were a lad.
For no other reason than I remembered not everyone in the world has read it, here's the book I wrote about creative resilience & creative communities, pub by @artscentres.bsky.social. Download for FREE or buy paperback to look cool on trains, in waiting rooms, in bed, etc tacticsforthetightrope.com
Tactics for the Tightrope
Samples from the book Tactics for the Tightrope Creative Resilience for Creative Communities by Mark Robinson published by Future Arts Centres - culture, creativity, arts.
tacticsforthetightrope.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:48 AM
For no other reason than I remembered not everyone in the world has read it, here's the book I wrote about creative resilience & creative communities, pub by @artscentres.bsky.social. Download for FREE or buy paperback to look cool on trains, in waiting rooms, in bed, etc tacticsforthetightrope.com
Reposted by Mark Robinson
I have trans women friends who’ve been living authentically for decades - how are they going to start using the gents?
I have a tall cis female friend who’s now scared to use ladies loos because she’s been harassed several times.
This code is both cruel and unworkable.
Please write to your MP.
I have a tall cis female friend who’s now scared to use ladies loos because she’s been harassed several times.
This code is both cruel and unworkable.
Please write to your MP.
🚨This is an emergency🚨
This Government is currently sitting on an EHRC Code of Practice that will lead to the segregation and exclusion of trans people in public life.
Use our tool to email your MP: tinyurl.com/scrap-the-bathroom-ban
@transsolidarity.bsky.social
#ScrapTheBathroomBan
This Government is currently sitting on an EHRC Code of Practice that will lead to the segregation and exclusion of trans people in public life.
Use our tool to email your MP: tinyurl.com/scrap-the-bathroom-ban
@transsolidarity.bsky.social
#ScrapTheBathroomBan
October 13, 2025 at 12:31 PM
I have trans women friends who’ve been living authentically for decades - how are they going to start using the gents?
I have a tall cis female friend who’s now scared to use ladies loos because she’s been harassed several times.
This code is both cruel and unworkable.
Please write to your MP.
I have a tall cis female friend who’s now scared to use ladies loos because she’s been harassed several times.
This code is both cruel and unworkable.
Please write to your MP.
Post you in another era.
Go on then... 40 years ago fml. Photo by @dustysevens.bsky.social
Go on then... 40 years ago fml. Photo by @dustysevens.bsky.social
October 13, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Post you in another era.
Go on then... 40 years ago fml. Photo by @dustysevens.bsky.social
Go on then... 40 years ago fml. Photo by @dustysevens.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Robinson
today in pocket theatre, i write abt when theatre plays soft. open.substack.com/pub/csvich/p...
touchy feely mish mosh
when theatre plays soft
open.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 2:52 AM
today in pocket theatre, i write abt when theatre plays soft. open.substack.com/pub/csvich/p...
Reposted by Mark Robinson
Unfolding Theatre’s mission is to bring people together. We stand against hate. We are sad and troubled by far right protests planned in Newcastle this weekend. However, we are heartened by the actions of many people who work to build connections, understanding and support in the city.
September 26, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Unfolding Theatre’s mission is to bring people together. We stand against hate. We are sad and troubled by far right protests planned in Newcastle this weekend. However, we are heartened by the actions of many people who work to build connections, understanding and support in the city.
Pleased to see the evaluation Imogen Blood Lorna Easterbrook and I worked on for the Baring Foundation published today. Some great progress in developing the field of arts and mental health since 2020. And even more to do in future. baringfoundation.org.uk/resource/art...
Arts programme: independent evaluation, 2025 - The Baring Foundation
baringfoundation.org.uk
September 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Pleased to see the evaluation Imogen Blood Lorna Easterbrook and I worked on for the Baring Foundation published today. Some great progress in developing the field of arts and mental health since 2020. And even more to do in future. baringfoundation.org.uk/resource/art...
Reposted by Mark Robinson
North East Deaf Youth Theatre is back this Saturday!
📍 Gosforth Civic Theatre
🕤 9.30 - 11.30am (third Saturday of the month)
Free sessions for Deaf children aged 5–12
https://www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk/whatson/2025/1/18/north-east-deaf-youth-theatre-january-workshop-jxk6h-sr2zj-pwel3-lre52-zrlle
📍 Gosforth Civic Theatre
🕤 9.30 - 11.30am (third Saturday of the month)
Free sessions for Deaf children aged 5–12
https://www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk/whatson/2025/1/18/north-east-deaf-youth-theatre-january-workshop-jxk6h-sr2zj-pwel3-lre52-zrlle
September 8, 2025 at 9:15 AM
North East Deaf Youth Theatre is back this Saturday!
📍 Gosforth Civic Theatre
🕤 9.30 - 11.30am (third Saturday of the month)
Free sessions for Deaf children aged 5–12
https://www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk/whatson/2025/1/18/north-east-deaf-youth-theatre-january-workshop-jxk6h-sr2zj-pwel3-lre52-zrlle
📍 Gosforth Civic Theatre
🕤 9.30 - 11.30am (third Saturday of the month)
Free sessions for Deaf children aged 5–12
https://www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk/whatson/2025/1/18/north-east-deaf-youth-theatre-january-workshop-jxk6h-sr2zj-pwel3-lre52-zrlle
In case there are any #brettonhall alumni or #firesoflondon fans or fans of his #mozartrequiem completion, sharing this info on a memorial concert for my father-in-law Duncan Druce 10 years after his passing, in Huddersfield on 20 Sept.
September 1, 2025 at 4:33 PM
In case there are any #brettonhall alumni or #firesoflondon fans or fans of his #mozartrequiem completion, sharing this info on a memorial concert for my father-in-law Duncan Druce 10 years after his passing, in Huddersfield on 20 Sept.
Reposted by Mark Robinson
Say it again, and again, and again. They are not "illegal immigrants".
-seeking asylum is legal and has been since 1951.
This legally trumps all arguments of “but they arrived by illegal means”. That’s just a fact. That’s why you don’t see asylum seekers arrested & charged. Our MSM must do better.
-seeking asylum is legal and has been since 1951.
This legally trumps all arguments of “but they arrived by illegal means”. That’s just a fact. That’s why you don’t see asylum seekers arrested & charged. Our MSM must do better.
Silencing the drumbeat again: seeking asylum is legal
Hundreds protested in Ashington against so-called "illegal immigrants" - though seeking asylum has been legal since 1951
northeastbylines.co.uk
September 1, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Say it again, and again, and again. They are not "illegal immigrants".
-seeking asylum is legal and has been since 1951.
This legally trumps all arguments of “but they arrived by illegal means”. That’s just a fact. That’s why you don’t see asylum seekers arrested & charged. Our MSM must do better.
-seeking asylum is legal and has been since 1951.
This legally trumps all arguments of “but they arrived by illegal means”. That’s just a fact. That’s why you don’t see asylum seekers arrested & charged. Our MSM must do better.
Also: the language in the headline is typically confused. The change affects those with refugee status not those still seeking asylum. If the @theguardian.com don't get this right (it's clearer in the article tbf) what hope for others.
Cruelty for the sake of it. A lot of people don't know that when asylum seekers are granted refugee status you lose whatever housing etc you had while your case was being considered. Whole families have to find new homes, change schools etc. This just adds peril. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Home Office planning to halve time asylum seekers given to find accommodation
Charities sound alarm over plan to give asylum seekers just 28 days to find new housing once they have a decision on their case
www.theguardian.com
August 27, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Also: the language in the headline is typically confused. The change affects those with refugee status not those still seeking asylum. If the @theguardian.com don't get this right (it's clearer in the article tbf) what hope for others.
Cruelty for the sake of it. A lot of people don't know that when asylum seekers are granted refugee status you lose whatever housing etc you had while your case was being considered. Whole families have to find new homes, change schools etc. This just adds peril. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Home Office planning to halve time asylum seekers given to find accommodation
Charities sound alarm over plan to give asylum seekers just 28 days to find new housing once they have a decision on their case
www.theguardian.com
August 27, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Cruelty for the sake of it. A lot of people don't know that when asylum seekers are granted refugee status you lose whatever housing etc you had while your case was being considered. Whole families have to find new homes, change schools etc. This just adds peril. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
While the government shamefully pander to the right, you can support the campaign to let people work. Asylum seekers want to work, to contribute where they've found some kind of safety: let them, instead of stoking up fear.
www.refugee-action.org.uk/lift-the-ban/
www.refugee-action.org.uk/lift-the-ban/
Lift the Ban - Refugee Action
www.refugee-action.org.uk
July 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
While the government shamefully pander to the right, you can support the campaign to let people work. Asylum seekers want to work, to contribute where they've found some kind of safety: let them, instead of stoking up fear.
www.refugee-action.org.uk/lift-the-ban/
www.refugee-action.org.uk/lift-the-ban/
I did the del amitri interview in this. At the Rex Club in Paris, in my year studying at Paris VIII in Saint Denis. Saw some great bands at the Rex - Sonic Youth, Blurt, David Thomas, Microdisney...
I have a copy somewhere @dustysevens.bsky.social but only one. I could dig it out and do you a copy?
I have a copy somewhere @dustysevens.bsky.social but only one. I could dig it out and do you a copy?
on this date in fanzine history... the second fabulous issue of trout fishing in leytonstone... 1985... robert forster interviewed from the phone box opposite the northcote pile of ten pences at the ready. if anyone's got a spare i somehow haven't got one
July 22, 2025 at 10:19 AM
I did the del amitri interview in this. At the Rex Club in Paris, in my year studying at Paris VIII in Saint Denis. Saw some great bands at the Rex - Sonic Youth, Blurt, David Thomas, Microdisney...
I have a copy somewhere @dustysevens.bsky.social but only one. I could dig it out and do you a copy?
I have a copy somewhere @dustysevens.bsky.social but only one. I could dig it out and do you a copy?
Been quiet as Mrs Practice broke her leg - when we were away from home too. (Femur - she never does things by half.) After surgery and 11 days finally have her home for a summer of slow recovery. We saw the NHS at its best, I'm happy and relieved to say. Also we now call everyone duck, ducky or pet.
July 17, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Been quiet as Mrs Practice broke her leg - when we were away from home too. (Femur - she never does things by half.) After surgery and 11 days finally have her home for a summer of slow recovery. We saw the NHS at its best, I'm happy and relieved to say. Also we now call everyone duck, ducky or pet.
Was comparing prices for a gig next year, Paris or London. London tickets c£4.00 more expensive but then fees - £1.30 in France, £7.80 in England. Wondering why there's such a difference. Tbh I'm presuming greed but do correct me if you know better...
July 17, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Was comparing prices for a gig next year, Paris or London. London tickets c£4.00 more expensive but then fees - £1.30 in France, £7.80 in England. Wondering why there's such a difference. Tbh I'm presuming greed but do correct me if you know better...
Reposted by Mark Robinson
Reposted by Mark Robinson
Bye forever, WeTransfer.
July 14, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Bye forever, WeTransfer.
Reposted by Mark Robinson
“The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe – and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality.”
James Baldwin
James Baldwin
July 6, 2025 at 3:55 AM
“The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe – and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality.”
James Baldwin
James Baldwin
Not a fan of freeports but this did make me imagine a billion dollar art vault just off the A66. www.citywealthmag.com/news/the-bil...
The Billion-Dollar Art Vaults: Secrets of Freeports Revealed
Explore The Billion-Dollar Art Vaults that offer security and tax benefits, while sparking global debates on art and regulation.
www.citywealthmag.com
July 4, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Not a fan of freeports but this did make me imagine a billion dollar art vault just off the A66. www.citywealthmag.com/news/the-bil...