At Sue Edworthy Arts Planning, we help artists and arts organizations thrive through purposeful strategy, clear communication, and heartfelt commitment. Whether you’re building audiences, shaping a strategic plan, or launching something new, we’re here to help you make it meaningful.
I believe in the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and transform communities. With over 25 years in the sector, I bring creative strategy, integrity, and clarity to every project. My mission is simple: To help artists and organizations do great work—and make sure the right people see it.
With over 20 years in the arts industry, Sue Edworthy has a rich history of involvement in dance, theatre, visual arts, opera, and film. Her extensive experience ensures a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the arts sector.
A respected figure in the arts community, Sue has received numerous accolades, including the Harold Award, the Char-PR Prize for PR in 2012 and 2013, and the prestigious Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award for Excellence in Arts Administration in 2015.
Our company offers a wide range of services beyond traditional arts planning. From marketing and branding to strategic planning and mentorship, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of individual artists and arts organizations.
Our extensive network within the arts community means we know the key players and can help connect you with the right people. Whether you're looking for collaboration or strategic partnerships, we can guide you on who to approach.
Sue's dedication to the arts extends beyond her professional life. She has served on the board of TAPA, co-chaired Artsvote, and was the Vice President of The Toronto Fringe Festival, showcasing her commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community.
Sue is renowned as a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. She has conducted over 75 workshops, including the inaugural Work in Culture Marketing Masterclass in 2021/22, sharing her knowledge to empower others in the field.
Because I’m a known quantity. I’ve been in business for over 20 years, and I’ve spent that entire time immersed in the arts—working with everyone from individual artists to major organizations. I’ve built a reputation for being thoughtful, creative, strategic, and effective. I’ve also been fortunate to receive awards for my work, which I see as a reflection of the care and commitment I bring to every project.
My background spans theatre, dance, opera, and film—so I understand the nuances of different disciplines and the unique challenges they each face. I hold a degree in the arts, which gives me a real, working perspective on what my clients do, and what they need to do it better.
I bring more to the table than just the deliverables—I bring deep sector knowledge, calm crisis management, and an understanding of the broader landscape, including who you might want to connect with next. My work is grounded in experience and driven by a genuine passion for helping artists and organizations thrive.
You’re not just looking for a marketing consultant. You’re looking for someone who gets it.
Someone who knows that your artistic project doesn’t fit into a box—or a marketing template. Someone with real experience across theatre, dance, music, and visual art, who understands the nuance and passion behind what you’re creating.
You want to reach new audiences without losing the loyal ones. You want to turn curious bystanders into lifelong supporters. And you know that the old ways of getting the word out—earned media, posters, word-of-mouth—need a serious digital upgrade.
Maybe your board needs a roadmap. Maybe your digital presence needs a tune-up. Maybe you’re ready to stop treating marketing like a last-minute scramble and start building a long-term strategy that connects all your brilliant work year-round.
And maybe—just maybe—you’d like to work with someone who’s been in your shoes. Who understands that time and budgets are tight, and that your work deserves smart, soulful strategy, not generic solutions.
That’s where we come in. Let’s make your work impossible to ignore.
One of the more curious things about organizational life is the amount of time spent discussing structures that audiences will never see. Organizations devote considerable energy to questions of governance, reporting relationships, departmental responsibilities, approval processes, committee structures, and decision-making frameworks. Entire meetings can be spent clarifying who is responsible
There are certain sentences that appear so frequently in organizational life that people stop hearing them. They pass through meetings unnoticed. They appear in planning discussions, committee conversations, and board reports without attracting much attention. Most of the time they are spoken casually, almost as background information. Nobody regards them
I’ve been noticing a particular pattern for years, although I don’t think I fully appreciated how common it was until I started seeing it repeated across organizations that otherwise had very little in common. The details would change from one organization to the next. Attendance might be declining. Revenue might
A clear, grounded guide for artists, makers, small organizations, and anyone suddenly responsible for “doing the marketing” without formal training, a big budget, or a full-time team.
This book cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually helps: making better decisions.
