Helena Price: A Dynamic Force in Fundraising, Events and Project Management in the UK Performing Arts Sector
Helena Price is a highly experienced fundraiser, events manager, and project coordinator whose career has spanned over a decade within the UK’s performing arts and charity industries. With a strong foundation in European Studies and Spanish from Durham University, Helena combines academic rigor with hands-on expertise in event planning, fundraising, and project management. Her impressive portfolio includes roles at notable institutions such as Wise Children Limited, Royal Opera House, City Year London, and Wigmore Hall. This article explores Helena Price’s career trajectory, professional experience, and educational background, demonstrating why she is recognised as a vital contributor to the arts and nonprofit sectors.
Early Life and Education
Helena Price’s academic journey began at Durham University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) degree in European Studies with Spanish. This course of study equipped her with a broad understanding of European politics, culture, and languages, providing a strong analytical framework that would later inform her approach to project management and fundraising.
Her academic background fostered a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and communication skills, essential for thriving in the multifaceted environment of performing arts organisations and charitable institutions. The combination of European Studies with proficiency in Spanish also opened up opportunities for working within international and multicultural contexts.
Professional Experience
Fundraising and Event Management at Wise Children Limited
Since February 2019, Helena Price has been serving as Fundraiser, Events, and Project Manager at Wise Children Limited, a Bristol-based creative company specialising in innovative theatre productions. Her role involves overseeing fundraising initiatives, coordinating events, and managing projects that support the company’s mission to produce bold and inclusive theatre.
Helena’s work at Wise Children is characterised by her ability to blend strategic fundraising with creative event planning. She expertly manages relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners, ensuring the financial sustainability of the organisation. Her skills in database management and operations help streamline fundraising campaigns, making them more efficient and impactful.
Self-Employed Fundraiser, Events and Project Manager
Alongside her role at Wise Children, Helena worked independently as a Fundraiser, Events, and Project Manager from January 2019 to June 2023. This period allowed her to apply her extensive knowledge and skills across a broader range of projects and organisations within the charity and arts sectors.
As a self-employed professional, she demonstrated remarkable adaptability, managing diverse projects, and tailoring event strategies to meet the specific needs of each client. This experience honed her leadership and organisational skills, further solidifying her reputation as a reliable expert in event coordination and fundraising.
Roles at Royal Opera House
Helena’s experience at the Royal Opera House in London spans over six years, where she took on several critical roles. Initially appointed as an Events Manager from December 2011 to July 2017, she was responsible for organising and delivering large-scale events that supported the House’s cultural programming and fundraising goals.
Following this, Helena served as Project Manager from August to December 2017, managing specific initiatives that enhanced the operational efficiency and outreach of the organisation. Her contribution to one of the UK’s leading cultural venues highlighted her ability to manage complex projects and collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
Development Manager at City Year London
Between May 2010 and December 2011, Helena worked as a Development Manager for City Year London, a charity dedicated to improving education outcomes in disadvantaged communities. In this role, she was pivotal in fundraising and developing partnerships that supported the charity’s programmes.
Her responsibilities included planning and managing fundraising campaigns, engaging donors, and coordinating events to raise awareness and funds. This role strengthened her understanding of the nonprofit sector and deepened her commitment to social impact through effective fundraising and community engagement.
Development Administrator at Wigmore Hall
Helena’s early career includes a three-year tenure as Development Administrator at Wigmore Hall, one of London’s premier classical music venues, from 2007 to 2010. Here, she supported the development team in administrative tasks, donor management, and event logistics.
This role laid the groundwork for her expertise in arts administration and development, providing valuable insight into the operational aspects of fundraising and event management within prestigious cultural institutions.
Core Skills and Expertise
Helena Price’s career is distinguished by a versatile skill set that includes:
-
Fundraising Strategy: Proven ability to design and execute fundraising campaigns that maximise donor engagement and revenue.
-
Event Planning and Management: Extensive experience in organising events ranging from intimate donor gatherings to large-scale public performances and fundraising galas.
-
Project Management: Skilled in coordinating multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
-
Database and Operations Management: Proficient in using CRM systems and data management to track donor relationships and streamline operational workflows.
-
Nonprofit and Arts Administration: Deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the charity and performing arts sectors.
-
Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication and negotiation skills for building and maintaining relationships with donors, sponsors, partners, and community members.
Her PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner certification further underlines her commitment to structured project management methodologies, enabling her to deliver projects with clarity and efficiency.
Impact on the Performing Arts and Charity Sectors
Throughout her career, Helena Price has demonstrated a profound impact on the organisations she has served. Her work has helped secure vital funding that supports the creation and presentation of cultural productions, educational programmes, and community initiatives.
By effectively managing fundraising campaigns and events, Helena has enabled arts organisations to expand their reach and audience engagement. Her strategic approach to project management has ensured that complex initiatives are delivered successfully, meeting organisational objectives while fostering creativity and innovation.
Her contributions have also helped charities like City Year London achieve greater visibility and resources, enhancing their capacity to deliver life-changing programmes for young people in need.
Conclusion
Helena Price exemplifies the dedication, skill, and passion required to succeed in the highly competitive fields of fundraising, event management, and project coordination within the UK’s cultural and nonprofit landscapes. Her educational foundation from Durham University, combined with over a decade of diverse professional experience, positions her as a key figure capable of driving growth and sustainability for arts organisations and charities alike.
Her career is a testament to how strategic fundraising and meticulous event planning can profoundly influence the vitality of cultural institutions and charitable causes. For organisations seeking an accomplished and dynamic professional to lead fundraising and event projects, Helena Price’s track record makes her an exemplary choice.
