Who we are
Making Room empowers creative people and organisations to achieve positive social change through art, culture and entrepreneurship.
2015-2025: Creative Producers and Change Makers
Making Room began life in 2015 with co-founders Jake Orr and Leo Burtin bring their practices together as creative producers, to launch a values-led production company and arts development agency dedicated to the belief that art can have a positive impact on society, and that everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Over the following decade, Making Room grew through performance projects, collaborations, community-rooted work, and artist-led experiments. Every project was guided by the same principles: care, curiosity, generosity, and the conviction that meaningful work takes time, space and deep listening.
Those values have never changed, but the world around us has and so has the kind of support artists and cultural organisations need. Which brings us to our next decade!
2026-2036: A new chapter, based on the same vision
Driven by the same vision, and underpinned by the same values, our work for the next ten years focuses on offering consultancy and coaching services for arts organisations, charities and cultural leaders working in the UK.
The cultural sector is navigating uncertainty, pressure and transformation. Organisations are being asked to do more with less, to respond to shifting funding landscapes, and to hold space for the wellbeing of the artists and communities they serve.
Making Room exists to help creative individuals and organisations meet the moment we find ourselves in and grow towards a future in which they thrive with clarity, confidence and care.
Our Director: Dr Leo Burtin
Making Room continues to be led by founding director Leo Burtin. Leo holds a PhD from the University of Leeds’ School of Performance and Cultural Industries. They are also a Landmark-trained coach with experience in personal, self-expression, leadership and creative dynamics coaching. They are also a Mental Health First Aider, a CIPD-certified People Manager. Leo is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Association of Chairs.
What we do
We support cultural organisations to strengthen their governance, strategy, leadership and long-term sustainability, without losing sight of their mission, their values, or the creative ambition at the centre of their work.
Our services include:
- Board & Governance Development
Guided workshops, away days, and culture development. - Strategy & Organisational Development
Practical, reflective and imaginative support for planning, decision-making and long-term thinking. - Fundraising support and business development
Values-led and context-aware approaches to diversification, resilience, and stewarding funder relationships. - Leadership and Exectuive Coaching
Goal-driven support for creative individuals, CEOs, trustees and cultural leaders navigating complexity.
Book an intro call
All of our work begins with a conversation.
Whether you’re preparing your board for a new chapter, planning for your next funding cycle, reviewing your strategy, or simply needing a trusted thought partner, Making Room offers support grounded in experience, care and creative thinking. Use the form below to request an appointment to discuss your needs.
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