SWOT | Tolulope Ami William

S.W.O.T ANALYSIS

What makes you unique?

I prioritise agency in my work, allowing myself and my audience the freedom to engage organically.
My background in visual art, art education, and composing poetic texts for sound installations offers multiple channels for expression through material interaction with the body.
Combining these creative skills adds complex layers, appealing to a diverse audience with varied interests.
My voiceovers and cultural applications create a ritualistic yet soothing atmosphere, enhancing reflection and introspection.
I discuss political and relatable topics with an approach that shocks through the lens of care.

What unique or low-cost resources can you draw upon that others can't?

I utilise non-conventional public spaces for performance, which typically require permission rather than funding.
My pieces require minimal technical support, manageable by myself or a small team.
I have strong relationships with supporters who provide in-kind assistance.
Costuming is usually simple, as in most cases, it's a solo performance with audience interaction; I only need to costume myself.
Secondary props can be locally sourced, as they are natural and location-specific.

What could you improve?

Develop a clearer logistical plan to ensure that the "messy" materials used in my work do not damage partner and venue facilities.
Improve the clarity of my directorial notes to ensure audiences understand my perspective while maintaining their sense of agency.

What should you avoid?

Avoid sensorily overloading my audience.
Avoid overusing symbolism and metaphors to ensure the logical and political messages remain clear.

What might others see as weaknesses?

The ephemeral nature of performances, which leave no physically tangible traces for commertialisation.

Do people have a need?

In contemporary times, artistic practices like mine have the power to address socio-political issues.
The rate of gentrification under the guise of urbanisation leaves many people seeking safe spaces to express their feelings. My work provides an opportunity for this expression.

Do people prefer something else?

Audiences are shifting from passive entertainment to becoming engaged individuals with a critical understanding of performances that stimulate thought, emotion, and discussion.

Are there any changes in technology?

Technology has opened new avenues for reaching a wider audience beyond my geographic location.
It enhances my performance production, providing more theatrical opportunities to improve audience experience.
It offers new methods for documenting and creating diverse expressions of the same project.
Technology is a valuable tool for marketing my performance to a broader audience.
Social media serves as a backup portfolio, helping producers find works to produce and bridging the gap to influential curators and institutions.

What challenges do you face?

Finding funding opportunities I am eligible for in the UK as an international artist based in Nigeria.
Managing ticket sales for my shows, as I usually perform in open public spaces, making it difficult to generate revenue from ticketing.
Needing a production team but unable to afford hiring one, leading to doing much of the work myself, which can affect my creativity.

What are your competitors doing?

They are eligible for and have access to Arts Council grants.
They work as registered companies, giving them more opportunities to apply for larger grants.
They have a background in theatre arts and understand the industry's jargon and nuances.
They are more experienced in touring.