Noa Bladon, Partner at Counterculture, has been involved with LIFT, the London International Festival of Theatre,for several years as their Head of Finance.
LIFT is a marvellous festival dedicated to showcasing the best of English theatre held every two years. Their mission is to: challenge artistic, political and social conventions, champion artist advancement within the UK and internationally, and act as a conduit to celebrating London’s vast array of cultural offerings.
This year, the innovative programming for 2024 features a Bat Night Market at the Science Museum, a democracy and election debate inside a Dutch Church, and experimental theatre by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour.
We spoke to Noa to hear more about her career journey and why she thinks theatre and LIFT are important for society today.
Reflecting on your varied career, what inspired you to work for charities such as Amnesty and cultural organisations?
I first decided to become an accountant so that I could use those skills alongside my language skills to travel and work abroad. I did this in the music industry for 8 years and loved it – but I’ve always loved helping people and have always wanted to feel like I’m doing something to make a difference and so I moved into the charity and cultural sector to put my skills to good use!
You’ve worked for LIFT as their Head of Finance since 2022. What is it like balancing the books for a festival across multiple venues?
I love the variety that comes with working at LIFT Festival – we do a lot of co-productions and partnerships, so I learn something new at every venue we work with. Each production or project brings with it its own complexities and challenges. No week or month is ever the same.
Can you tell us some more about your career journey in accountancy?
I trained and qualified as an accountant at KPMG and then moved into the music industry at EMI, first within their internal audit function and later in their sync, licensing and catalogue division in Los Angeles. Since returning to London and becoming a Mum, I have worked both with Counterculture and as an independent freelancer with a wide variety of organisations.
Why do you think theatre and LIFT are important?
I think theatre and especially LIFT are really important in today’s society, as they always bring challenging and different perspectives but in an entertaining and (usually!) understandable way. I have learnt a lot through the LIFT productions that I have seen so far and have always also been entertained!
What advice can you give to organisation’s who are battling today’s difficult financial and funding climate?
The advice I’d give to organisations who are struggling in the current financial and funding climate would be to explore all avenues and always be open and flexible to change and be adaptable. I’d also add how vital it can be to keep an eye on the short and long term, and to combine this with an overall focus on both the detail and the big picture.