Ruth Daniel is a multi-award winning CEO and Artistic Director of international NGO, In Place of War, a global organisation that uses artistic creativity in areas affected by conflict, social injustice, and climate change.
Originally founded as a research project at the University of Manchester in 2004, In Place of War has since grown into a network of more than 130 creative organisations across 30 countries. The organisation supports grassroots artists and cultural leaders through training, infrastructure-building, equipment donations, and international collaborations, with the aim of transforming cultures of violence into ones of hope and opportunity.
With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of music, activism, and community development, Ruth’s career includes co-founding the independent music conference Un-Convention, performing in the Manchester band The Fall, and producing collaborative music projects involving artists such as Coldcut, Brian Eno, Bicep, and Indigenous musicians from the Arctic. She also holds an Honorary Research Fellowship at the University of Manchester and has worked as a consultant for festivals and cultural institutions around the world.
For those new to your work, how would you describe what you do across In Place of War and beyond?
In Place of War is a global organisation that harnesses the power of music, arts, and creativity to create lasting change in communities affected by conflict, climate change, and social injustice—from Greenland to Uganda, Brazil to Australia. We work directly with grassroots communities to co-develop opportunities for expression, collaboration, education, and infrastructure building. This includes donating equipment, mentoring, building music spaces, creating educational programs, facilitating international collaborations, and releasing music. Our work is supported by a global network of artists and music industry professionals who contribute time, resources, and expertise to amplify these efforts.
You've built creative projects in some of the most challenging places on Earth. What's the first thing you look for when entering a new community, and how do you build trust?
We never impose ourselves on a community—we only go where we are invited. Our approach is grounded in listening. We begin by understanding the community's unique context and identifying whether we can genuinely add value. Needs can range from building a studio to preserving indigenous music or enabling inter-community collaboration. Trust is built by being present, listening deeply, and ensuring that any project is led by the community itself. Our role is to support—not direct—the vision and leadership already in place.
Your background in music includes time with The Fall. How has being an artist shaped the way you lead, collaborate, and build cultural infrastructure?
Being a musician since the age of 10, including performing in various bands and a stint with The Fall, gave me a real understanding of the artist’s journey—its challenges, complexities, and the struggle of sustaining creativity while making a living. I’ve witnessed the industry evolve from physical to digital and now to mobile platforms. This perspective led me to create Un-Convention, a grassroots music event focused on alternative models of music-making and infrastructure. It reinforced for me that music isn't just about commerce—it’s about community, ownership, and a Do It Together ethos.
What are your top tips for artists and cultural workers trying to connect with funders, collaborators, or mentors?
Reach out—but do it thoughtfully. Research who you're contacting, understand what matters to them, and tailor your message accordingly. Make a clear, respectful ask and show your passion. The best outreach resonates because it's personal and purposeful. Also, keep it concise—people are busy, and clarity is a gift. Most of my opportunities came from reaching out to strangers with a clear vision and an authentic connection.
What does cultural resistance mean to you in 2025, and how can music still be used as a tool for justice, visibility, and change?
In 2025, amid global crises—conflict, climate disaster, rising authoritarianism—cultural resistance is more vital than ever. Music is a powerful means to bring people together, foster empathy, and articulate complex emotions that transcend language. It allows marginalized voices to be heard, challenges systems of power, and builds movements grounded in community and resilience. Music can stir hearts, unite people, and inspire action in ways that words alone cannot.
Your career spans academia, festivals, community building, and activism. What have you learned about building sustainable, multi-hyphenate careers?
The idea of a single, linear career path no longer fits the world we live in. I’ve learned to embrace flexibility and to work across sectors—from music to academia to frontline activism. This cross-pollination enriches everything. I’ve also learned the value of relationships and adaptability. With AI, the pace of change is even faster. To stay rooted, we need to focus on what technology can't replace: human connection, creativity, and collaboration.
What’s the most important thing music professionals should understand when working with grassroots or underrepresented communities?
That these communities hold immense knowledge, creativity, and aspiration. The relationship must be mutual and rooted in respect. Avoid tokenism. Build trust and invest for the long term. Ask how you can serve—not what you can extract. True impact comes from deep, sustained engagement where both sides learn and grow.
What’s your best advice for building a creative career rooted in purpose, not just visibility or commercial success?
Lead with purpose. Audiences today seek authenticity and want to support work that has meaning. Purpose can be embedded in everything—from how you structure your business, to how you use your platform, to how you give back. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, or aligning with causes, let purpose be the throughline. Over the past 25 years, I’ve seen a clear shift: more and more artists want to make a positive impact, not just profit.
Three values that guide your work, no matter where you are in the world?
Collaboration – Working together creates more powerful and meaningful results.
Trust – Earned over time, it’s the foundation for any successful project.
Respect – Honouring the expertise and leadership within the communities we support; we are there to assist, not to take over.
What does leadership in music and culture look like to you, and what kind of leadership is needed right now?
Leadership must be future-facing—concerned with sustainability, justice, diversity, and inclusion. It means building creative ecosystems that are fair and representative. We need leaders who are compassionate, collaborative, and able to guide through complexity. Unity, kindness, and vision are essential traits for navigating the turbulent times ahead.
What are you most excited about creating, supporting, or scaling in the next 12 months?
The Earth Sonic project is our most exciting upcoming launch. The first major project is called TAKKUUK, created in collaboration with Bicep and seven Indigenous Arctic artists, it’s a groundbreaking fusion of music, environmental consciousness, and cultural preservation. It’s one of the most beautiful and meaningful projects we've ever developed, and I believe it represents the future of how we can use art to connect, resist, and transform.