Manick Govinda

Manick’s work includes business and strategic planning in the cultural sector, specialising in stakeholder consultations for local authorities and creative workspace providers. As a recent associate with Counterculture he gathered invaluable evidence and intelligence from artists, funders and developers that contributed towards Manchester City Council and Rother District Council’s strategies for creative workspaces plans.

Manick’s other freelance work includes mentoring artists and arts professionals, providing personal and professional development support and guidance. He is also a writer and cultural commentator. He has appeared on Sky News, Russia Today and BBC Radio 4 and writes on diversity, freedom of expression and censorship in the arts.

Manick was formerly Programme Director for SPACE and previously headed Artsadmin’s innovative artists’ development programme for 18 years, which led to producing film & video installations by internationally acclaimed artists such as 2007 Turner shortlisted artist Zarina Bhimji, 2021 Venice Biennale representative for France Zineb Sedira and Paul Hamlyn Foundation Awardee Larry Achiampong, to name a few. He commissioned and co-curated a collection of artworks for the 5-star Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green in 2010-2012.

Manick also curates debates, talks and screenings on contemporary themes of identity, belonging and free speech.

He recently moved from London to Hastings and loves the vibe.