Adam Buss - creative and cultural consultant.
- Isobel Arden
- Jul 24, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 23
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Meet Adam Buss.
In a recent follow-up interview, Mark, the founder of the Arts and Culture Network, caught up with full member Adam Buss to discuss his recent news and accomplishments.
Adam’s been a busy bean. He’s back in the acting game while still juggling freelance consulting gigs. Recently, he got involved with a community engagement framework in Chelmsford. Mark, ex-Chair of Culture there, was genuinely impressed and said he’ll keep showing up to their events, which is high praise in council-speak.
🗺️ UK Culture Tour
Adam’s been zipping around the UK—from Chelmsford to Bolsover, Plymouth to various London boroughs—soaking up local culture and noting what actually works. It’s part of his personal and professional evolution: actor-turned-comedian-turned-consultant-turned-actor-again. His takeaway? Creativity = wellbeing. Also, artists are human beings, and systems need to remember that.
👕 The Football Shirt Saga
Plot twist: Adam owns a wild collection of football shirts that landed in a legit exhibition in London (now on a UK tour!) called Come As You Really Are. The show celebrates people’s niche hobbies, and his shirts—where football meets art—made the cut. Mark joined in the football nerd chat with a deep-dive into Football Manager, where he adopted bottom-of-the-league Northwich Victoria as his underdog heroes.
⚽ When Football Gets Philosophical
Adam has been working with real clubs like Ebbsfleet United and Lewes FC—both doing cool stuff like paying men and women equally. Lewes even has its own currency, the "Lewes pound".
🌟 Big Picture Stuff
Adam’s doubling down on expanding his impact—geographically and creatively. He’s serious about acting and believes every role counts (yes, even tree #2). He and Mark both agree: arts and culture aren’t “nice-to-haves.” They’re essential, especially in this weird cultural age where empathy and creativity might just save us all.
Watch it here:
And here is the main interview:
Gather round for a tale brimming with creativity, passion, and a splash of humour! Meet cultural consultant Adam Buss, who's been rocking the arts and culture scene for over two decades.
With an enviable mix of confidence, creativity, and a knack for leadership, Adam's your go-to guy for transforming cultural landscapes in the UK and beyond. Whether it's diversifying income streams, managing venues, or leading artistic projects, Adam's got the Midas touch. And did we mention he’s a former stand-up comedian?
Adam and Mark had great fun creating his fantasy cultural year. Expect anecdotes, laughs, surprises and conversational detours.
Once upon a time, in a land known as Derby, Adam embarked on his journey in the arts and creative industries.
After dazzling audiences as a stand-up comedian from 1999 to 2003, where he bagged the title of Derby’s best comedian, Adam’s flair for communication took him to the University of Derby.
Here, he reigned supreme as a communications leader, crafting award-winning student newspapers and managing the university's radio station.
Post-graduation, Adam became the Head of Media at Making Waves Communications in London, where he managed PR campaigns for top brands like Sony Playstation and Air France. His stint as a Press Officer at Derby Playhouse followed, establishing a national media profile for the theatre.
2006 marked the beginning of an epic 17-year journey with Derby's QUAD. Starting as the Director of Audience Engagement, Adam’s strategic brilliance soon saw him ascending to the role of Chief Executive. Under his leadership, QUAD became a beacon of art and film, not just locally but on national and international stages. His knack for developing partnerships and managing change ensured QUAD thrived, even during challenging times.
Adam’s creative prowess didn’t stop at QUAD. He co-directed the Derby Film Festival, bringing luminaries like Brian Blessed and Terry Jones to Derby.
As the Marketing Director for the FORMAT International Photography Festival, Adam showcased contemporary photography to the world. And as Chair at 1623 Theatre, he championed innovative Shakespearean performances in unique settings.
Adam's crowning achievement came as the Bid Director for Derby's bid for UK City of Culture 2025. Although Derby didn't win, it was a finalist, with stakeholders lauding Adam's infectious passion for the city. Working closely with Derby City Council, he laid the groundwork for long-term growth and sustainability in Derby's arts sector.
Today, Adam Buss is a sought-after freelance consultant, lending his expertise to projects far and wide. From crafting multi-million-pound bids to strategic development for theatres and universities, Adam’s influence spans far. He's also an empathetic and EDI-driven leader, ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusivity are at the heart of all his endeavours.
Away from consulting, Adam’s versatile talents shine through as an experienced host, MC, and voiceover artist. Whether it's interviewing stars like Sir John Hurt or hosting charity auctions and award ceremonies, Adam's mix of humour and empathy help to make every event memorable.
At the core of Adam’s philosophy is a genuine care for the people he works with and the communities he serves. His approach is simple yet powerful: passion, humility, and humour. By fostering equal partnerships and focusing on positive outcomes, Adam ensures every project he touches turns to gold.
So, there you have it, a whirlwind tour of Adam Buss’s Successful career to date. From the stages of stand-up comedy to the helm of major cultural institutions, Adam’s journey is a story of passion and creativity. Ready to make your next cultural project a roaring success? Adam Buss is just an email away!
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Chief Culture Vulture
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