ProArts+ offers specialist legal advice, business consultancy and governance services to creative and cultural organisations
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About ProArtsPlus
Keith Arrowsmith and his colleagues provide creative and cultural organisations, charities and other third sector bodies with specialist legal advice, expert guidance and strategic solutions.
We have lots of experience sorting out governance and administration headaches, and the paperwork that underpins artistic and charitable activity. We deliver our services expertly, following stringent Codes of Practice, without pomp or ceremony.
If you work for a public body, charity, social enterprise or a creative company, we’d be delighted to help.
Industry Leading
Over 30 years, Keith Arrowsmith has been recognised by many independent publications and industry bodies as a leading supplier of legal and governance advice. He knows how to explain complex rules and regulations in a friendly, sensible, cost-efficient manner.
Online or in Person
We want to make sure our services are as accessible as possible. By default, all of our work with you will remain confidential, and we know that some conversations are easier in person. We work from our offices in Sheffield, and use public transport to travel elsewhere.
Easy to Use
We can provide as much (or as little) support as you want. We love teamwork, and we can deliver stand-alone projects if the need arises. We will make sure that each project is carefully and thoughtfully designed, and the budget agreed with you before we start work.
Book a Slot
To book a slot with ProArtsPlus, simply click on the ‘Book a Slot’ button. This will take you to our online diaries to find a convenient time for an initial online consultation with Keith or Jerry for expert guidance on the legal, governance, or business aspects of your creative project or charitable organisation.
Our Commitment to the Arts
Dedicated Support for Creative and Cultural Organisations
At ProArtsPlus, we are deeply committed to empowering creative and cultural organisations by providing tailored legal advice that meets the sector’s unique needs. Our team understands the challenges faced by charities and not-for-profit organisations, and we try to offer practical solutions that support sustainability and best practices. By focusing on the specific requirements of the arts sector, we ensure that our clients receive the guidance necessary to navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence.
Meet Our Team
Keith Arrowsmith
Managing Director
Founder and managing partner, Keith is the driving force behind the company, and a long time passionate advocate for the arts. Keith qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and has, since then, helped charities and other organisations in the cultural, creative, heritage, and educational sectors.
Jerry Knight-Smith
Senior Legal Advisor
Jerry qualified as a solicitor in June 2024. Before retraining in law, he enjoyed many years at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre where he was Head of Casting and an Associate Director. With a background in stage management and theatre production across the UK, he brings this broad experience and his long appreciation of the arts world to his work at ProArts+.
Karen Newman
Finance Associate
Karen is a strategic finance leader with a proven record in transformation, financial stability and growth. A CIMA-qualified accountant with over 20 years’ experience across the commercial and charity sectors, she has held senior leadership roles at Live Nation Entertainment and Creative & Cultural Skills, where she strengthened her passion for supporting the arts and cultural industries. Karen has extensive experience providing financial and governance oversight to Boards of Trustees, developing finance teams, and ensuring systems and policies promote compliance and best practice. Her leadership has also encompassed HR, IT and corporate governance, bringing a broad, pragmatic and people-centred perspective to every organisation she supports.
Michael Birks
Paralegal
Michael recently completed his law degree at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating with First Class Honours. His enthusiasm for the legal field led him to secure a competitive internship in the USA, where he spent six weeks gaining hands-on experience with an in-house legal team at a tech company in Chicago. During his placement, Michael developed his skills in dispute resolution, contract negotiation and redlining, intellectual property law, trademarks, and corporate processes. Now embarking on his professional journey as a paralegal at ProArts+, Michael is keen to apply his growing expertise to support organisations in the creative and cultural sectors.
Daisy Bostanli
Practice Manager + Paralegal
Daisy recently completed her LLB at the University of Manchester with First Class Honours, earning awards in Mental Health Law, and for her research into copyright and generative AI. Alongside her studies, she gained practical experience as a Legal Advisor at the University’s Legal Advice Centre, where she supported clients in contract disputes and developed her skills in legal drafting and client care. Daisy is interested in intellectual property and the intersection of law, creativity, and culture. Daisy’s background combines academic excellence with resilience and empathy, shaped by practical exposure to the justice system. Now joining ProArts+, she is looking forward to supporting creative individuals and organisations through thoughtful, practical legal work.