MUSIC.
COMMUNITY.
IMPACT.
Hello, I am Toni and I am a strategic arts leader, programmer and entrepreneur with over 20 years' experience designing and delivering high-impact music and creative programmes across the UK. I specialise in developing inclusive, initiatives that bridge formal education, community practice and the music industry, creating meaningful progression pathways for all.
I have a proven track record of leading complex, multi-partner programmes from concept to delivery, securing significant funding, and building strong partnerships across the cultural, education and community sectors. My work spans senior leadership roles at B:Music, large-scale freelance programme management, and founding my own organisation, Toni Grehan Arts, through which I have developed and delivered innovative projects with organisations including Midlands Arts Centre, Girl Grind UK, Gospel Revisited and Birmingham Music Service.
An experienced team leader and collaborator, I have managed staff, freelancers and stakeholders across multiple projects, and am confident operating at a strategic level, shaping programme vision, contributing to organisational development, and driving impactful, inclusive cultural work.
PORTFOLIO
MY SKILLS
- Lead the design, development and delivery of large-scale music and arts programmes, from concept through to evaluation
- Develop programme strategies aligned with organisational goals, funding priorities and community need
- Experienced in shaping innovative, inclusive programmes that centre youth voice and contemporary music practice
- Curate and programme live events, festivals and outreach initiatives that platform emerging talent and reflect diverse musical cultures
- Commission artists and develop new work for mixed-ability and community ensembles
- Strong understanding of audience development and culturally relevant programming
- Build and manage strategic partnerships across arts organisations, charities, schools, local authorities and community groups
- Extensive network across Birmingham and the West Midlands, with strong relationships spanning grassroots to institutional partners
- Skilled in collaborative programme design and co-creation with communities
- Proven track record of securing funding from major partners including Youth Music, Arts Council and PRS
- Develop funding strategies, write successful bids and manage reporting to funders
- Experience contributing to organisational strategy and long-term business planning
- Lead and manage teams of staff, freelancers, artists and facilitators across multiple projects
- Foster inclusive, collaborative working environments where teams can thrive
- Provide mentoring, CPD and professional development for educators and creative practitioners
- Extensive experience working with young people aged 7–25 across formal and non-formal settings
- Design and deliver outreach programmes in schools, PRUs and community contexts
- Strong understanding of progression pathways into further education, employment and creative careers
- Strong understanding of the music national curriculum and KS4 music specifications
- Manage complex project budgets, timelines and logistics across multi-partner programmes
- Oversee safeguarding, risk management, contracts, licensing and compliance
- Deliver robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to evidence impact
- Deep knowledge of the UK music education and cultural sector
- Professional DJ and music practitioner with strong understanding of contemporary music culture
- Experienced in bridging education, community practice and the music industry
- Designing CPD that equips secondary teachers to embed DJing and music technology in the classroom
LET'S
CREATE
TOGETHER.
Interested in working together? Reach out and let's create something transformative for your community.
tonigrehanarts@gmail.com →