Place Based Creative Programming
I have significant experience in strategic development, regeneration and community building together with Festival and venue programming and commissioning across all artforms and contexts. I share that experience with artists, communities, educational partners, local authorities and businesses. I am currently working with Maddie Maughan on programming HARTLEPOOL TALL SHIPS, and am associate lecturer on the innovatove MA Curating course at University of Teesside.
Past roles include directing Green Room, Warwick Arts Centre, Preston Guild 2012. As Deputy Director NewcastleGateshead Initiative I led Culture 10, a region wide programme across the North East, encouraging festivals and events to be distinctive. From 2013 – 2022 I was co – Director of the award winning National Festival of Thrift. It celebrates sustainability; sharing skills & building collaborative communities with a real pride in place in Redcar, Tees Valley.
I am passionate about sustainability and enabling communities to discover their own creativity and have moved away from traditional arts spaces over the years to work where people are. I am a regular mentor and coach to younger professionals and enjoy facilitating and chairing conferences, seminars and meetings with an inclusive and engaging style.
Dance, Installation, Light Festival, Street Theatre, Visual Arts
Additional Areas of Focus
Academic/Research, Community Engagement, Environmentally Focussed, Family Friendly, Outdoor Arts Sector Development, Outdoor Arts Sector Training, Participatory, Placemaking
