“As resources shrink there’s power and advocacy within networks…” – Holly Payton-Lombardo

When systems are stretched and voices go unheard, it’s the people around us – our peers, partners, and allies, who carry the message further.

At this moment, where the cultural sector is expected to do more with less and justify every ounce of effort, networks are no longer just supportive structures – they are advocacy engines.

That is the view of NRTF director Holly Payton-Lombardo who shared her thoughts on networks this week. 

Holly: “What do you do when there’s less money and less time? You lean into your network. You ask a friend or a colleague. You call someone you trust.

“This is the collective power of networks. And, increasingly, it’s how we prove our worth,” – Holly Payton-Lombardo.

“Networks share data, pool evidence, amplify unheard voices, and make the case for why what we do matters. They turn isolated testimonials into sector-wide impact. They give cultural workers the strength of a shared voice.

“Networks and membership platforms are important for collective voice, visibility and shared legitimacy, ensuring advocacy isn’t shouldered by one organisation alone.”

Holly’s leadership model is not one of ego or ownership, it’s strategic and purpose-driven. Her strength lies in recognising who’s already doing vital work and then helping connect the dots.

Holly: “It’s about asking: Who else might need this? Who else is doing this already? And how can we lighten the load, together?”

In a sector where advocacy work often goes unfunded and unacknowledged, this question shifts the model from repetition to coordination, from noise to chorus.

Holly: “Networks give advocacy credibility. They make policymakers listen not to a lone voice, but to a harmonised message backed by scale, reach, and shared data.

“They also allow arts leaders to say, “We are not just telling you this, we’re showing you – together.”

This collaborative approach to advocacy is becoming essential.

Whether it’s lobbying for rural access, arguing for sustainable funding models, or calling out the gaps in leadership pipelines, networks turn anecdote into evidence.

Holly has been instrumental in this space. Her sector connections enable real-time knowledge sharing, cross-pollination of case studies and rapid dissemination of insights – key tools for anyone trying to demonstrate the impact of cultural work to funders, policymakers or the public.

“Data is powerful. But so is lived experience, community voice, and joined-up messaging. If we want to protect what we value, we have to speak together, loudly and clearly.” – Holly. 

As public funding contracts and impact measurement becomes increasingly politicised, the sector must resist isolation and competition.

Instead, Holly argues, we must double down on collaboration: “We should all be looking to share our learning, link efforts and build alliances across artform, geography and scale.

“And most importantly, advocate as a network, not a silo. Together, we don’t just survive the challenges, we shape the conversation.”

The National Rural Touring Forum’s annual conference gets underway 24-26 June 2025. Tickets are available here. 

Holly Payton-Lombardo

Over the past two decades, Holly has become one of the UK’s most respected cultural connectors and sector advocates.

Her work has always operated at the intersection of people, policy and purpose. From her leadership at the National Rural Touring Forum to founding the global World Fringe network, her mission has remained consistent: connect communities, amplify stories, and turn collaboration into influence.

As well as being Director of the National Rural Touring Forum, on the Leadership of What Next? Culture, Founder of World Fringe, and convenor of the UK Sector Support Network Holly is a global community builder, strategist, and passionate advocate for collective cultural impact.