Maria Bota reveals the people who have most inspired her.

Clive Gillinson
Clive’s ‘nothing is impossible’ entrepreneurialism, his passion for enabling artists to make the best work possible, his unstoppable energy and an intense work ethic all combined to create an indelible, incredible seven years for me at the London Symphony Orchestra. 
Richard Steinitz
Richard’s eternal curiosity and his tenacity in setting up the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival are matched only by his softness and generosity. His creative approach to programming ensured that composers’ works were threaded through and embedded into the repertoire of many ensembles, and he always crafted a rich and strong tapestry of events.
Howard Raynor
I met Howard when he worked at the Bridgewater Hall, and his business approach, his commitment to building a strong team and to enabling the people he worked with to be the best they could possibly be, and his optimistic energy, all still inspire me.
Helen Marriage
Ten years ago, I came to Salisbury to work for Helen at Artichoke, covering maternity leave for her Festival Manager. The Festival she created and the subsequent ground-breaking projects she has produced continue to inspire me. 

Encounters as a Clore Fellow
The most powerful aspect of the Clore Fellowship was being able to draw on Chris Smith and Sue Hoyle’s insights and experience. Learning from the artists, trainers and professionals they enlisted to help, together with the others in my cohort, remains invaluable. For four months I worked with Michael Morris at Artangel. Watching the ways in which the company supports and enables artists to make their ideas a reality was a real education. Seeing the company’s gift for gathering people around a creative idea or moment, was like drawing us close to a warm fire. I also worked with Stella Hall at ‘culture10’ who has been developing a world class artistic programme in the North East. Stella’s flair for making inspiring projects, for partnerships, for delivering breathtaking artistic programmes to multiple political agendas and ensuring that great work happens, is really impressive. She has an enviably encyclopaedic knowledge of the arts. Finally, Michael Kaiser, said something actually quite simple: “Are we finding and making the best work possible, work that really excites us, and reaching the widest audience for it?” These words continue to resonate with me and drive me forwards…