What is wonderful about Monica Ferguson’s attitude to bringing the arts to people who might otherwise think it’s not for them is that they rarely see her coming.
Determined to dismiss the idea that the arts are exclusive and elite, Monica has devoted her career to convincing people that this isn’t something that is closed off to them, and to giving them the opportunity to get involved and find a new joy in being part of a special, shared experience.
As Chief Executive and Artistic Director of The Stables in Milton Keynes, and of the IF:Milton Keynes International Festival, Monica has a missionary-like zeal to open people’s minds.
“I describe it as mugging people with art,” she joked. “We use the city as a stage and almost take people by surprise with it. If you remove the conventions and make people feel comfortable, they will get involved and enjoy it.
“I often think about what happens when an opera singer appears on a show like Britain’s Got Talent. People are blown away by it – but does that make them feel like going to see an opera? If it doesn’t it’s probably because they feel like that’s not for them. But they shouldn’t feel like that; they shouldn’t be worried about things like not knowing the right places to clap during a performance. Back in Shakespeare’s time the audience would be milling around at the front, chatting and calling out and laughing, and that was what it was all about. Now too many people are worried that there are conventions and protocols that they don’t understand.”
Coming from a tenant farming family with parents who were involved in amateur musical performances taught Monica that the arts could be for everyone. Throughout her career, she has been involved in marketing and the arts, encouraging ‘bums on seats’.
As an educational charity, The Stables provides upcoming performers with the space they need, encouraging them to hone their craft, to perform in small venues until they’re ready and confident enough to move into a large space, before hopefully finding their feet in the wider world.
Coupled with that nurturing aspect is the need for audiences to fill the venues to take performance to another level. Whether in the theatre, small music spaces or comedy clubs, a full house, with an appreciative audience, creates a shared experience that brings benefits for both the performers and the audience.
With the biennial festival set to take place in July, Monica’s time is also currently taken up with heading up the organisation of a programme of artists from around the world.
This year’s line-up includes installations and performances, outdoor spectaculars, circus, comedy, cabaret, live music and free family activities. In times of change and challenge, the 2025 programme embraces a spirit of resilience, freedom and possibility.
Among the highlights for this year are world and UK premiers including Pagrav Dance Company’s One Sky, which brings the spirit of India’s Kite Festivals to Campbell Park; Kamchatka’s Fugit, an immersive daytime journey through Wolverton where the audience put themselves in the hands of strangers; and Symfeuny, a pyrotechnic and drumming parade through the city centre from Xscape to Campbell Park on the opening night.
“Milton Keynes is relatively new and doesn’t have the historical or cultural influences that some cities might have, and that leaves us open to doing something new and different. To push audiences into new directions and new scenarios,” said Monica.
“We use the city as a stage and we’re fortunate with the support we get from the business community. Most buildings in the city centre are privately owned, and so we need to have people on our side to help make things happen, and they do. At the same time, there’s a huge benefit to business from being in bed with culture, in terms of footfall and bringing people into the city and through their doors.
“It’s been calculated that the International Festival delivered £6.7m in economic benefit in 2023. Our Headline Partner, centre:mk reported a 14% increase in footfall during the festival. And there are so many other benefits for communities and individuals. We can talk about feelgood factor and the effects on mental health. Art makes us think. At the moment, artists are making a lot of work about conflict, peace and resolution, so we are working to engage the whole of Milton Keynes with making white paper doves, inspired by Michael Pendry’s installation, Les Colombes (The White Doves), in Middleton Hall. When we face big challenges like climate change, war, or the impact of social media on mental health, it can feel overwhelming, but artists help us to understand these challenges better and how to take small steps to solving them together.
“And there’s lots of research into the positive physiological effects of laughter, for instance; and the effects of music on cognitive abilities for people with dementia. Educational arts charities and projects are a recognised force for good, but don’t necessarily receive the support they deserve.”
At the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards earlier this year, it was Monica’s turn to be ‘mugged’. Unusually, The Stables hadn’t entered any of the awards, but the organisers extended an invitation to Monica to join them as a guest.
One of the last presentations of the evening was the Outstanding Contribution award.
“Head Judge Anita Nadkarani, introducing the award, mentioned The Stables and I was suddenly aware that there were a lot of eyes on me and it dawned on me what was happening,” said Monica. “I was totally shocked to find she was talking about me.
“I was really touched, honoured and proud, but it wasn’t just for me. Although I lead The Stables and the Festival, we would not be where we are without the amazing team of people work alongside me and put in all the hard work. The award is recognition of the impact and value of what we do together.”
Milton Keynes International Festival runs from Friday July 18 to Sunday, July 27.
Full details are available at https://www.ifmiltonkeynes.org
