Inspiring Spaces, Telling Stories: Art that Resonates with Community

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of producing unique, impactful moments of creativity that transform spaces and connect communities in unforgettable ways. Coming from a working-class background myself, I’m especially drawn to working within these communities, where I find a shared richness of resilience and authenticity that brings depth to each project, which is one of the reasons of being based in the Tees Valley. Every project is crafted as a tapestry of wonder, celebration, and connection, with the aim of creating lasting memories that celebrate the beauty and power of collective artistic expression.

Training, Pathways, and Participation Manager on Creating Outdoors with Periplum (2024)
As the Training, Pathways, and Participation Manager for Creating Outdoors with the internationally renowned Periplum, I led a programme focused on connecting and upskilling a cohort of multi-artform creatives. After recruiting each participant, I guided them through a week-long residency at Ormesby Hall and Kirkleatham Museum, where they received training, mentorship, and artistic development tailored to outdoor arts. Creating Outdoors culminated in the North Sea Sirens performances in September 2024, a powerful showcase that highlighted the participants' growth, artistry, and collaborative spirit.

Redcar and Cleveland Christmas Parade and Switch-On (2022, 2023)
The Redcar and Cleveland Christmas Parade and Switch-On was a magical way to bring the community together and celebrate the holiday season. Organising the parade and coordinating the switch-on ceremony filled the town with festive lights and cheer. From lively performances to the moment the lights turned on, this event brought families together, reflecting the warmth and unity of the community.

Gaia by Luke Jerram at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre (2022)
Welcoming Gaia by Luke Jerram to the Town Hall Theatre was an incredible experience, transforming the space into something truly magical. This illuminated globe invited people to reflect on our planet’s beauty and fragility. A particular highlight was welcoming over 5,000 local schoolchildren, giving young people a special encounter with art and nature. Watching people of all ages marvel at Gaia showed me the power of art to inspire curiosity and bring people together in shared appreciation.

Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations on Hartlepool Headland (2022)
The Queen’s Jubilee on Hartlepool Headland was a chance to honor a historic occasion with a sense of pride, joy, and unity. I produced a day of festivities that included live performances, historical displays, and family activities set against the scenic Headland. Seeing residents and visitors alike celebrate in a place rich with shared heritage made the Jubilee celebrations a beautiful day of community, history, and connection.

In Memoriam by Luke Jerram at Seaton Carew (2021)
Producing In Memoriam by Luke Jerram on the sands of Seaton Carew was both moving and uplifting. This outdoor installation of medical bedsheets paid tribute to lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and honored healthcare workers. Set against the beautiful coastal backdrop, In Memoriam provided a space for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude, inviting the community to share in a collective moment of healing.

Creative Producer on love_dances by Adam Russell Dance (2019–2021)
As Creative Producer for love_dances, I supported this vibrant and proud production, which brought together five North East performers from diverse backgrounds—both dancers and non-dancers—to explore the highs and lows of love. With a focus on less visible narratives, particularly LGBTQIA+ stories, love_dances celebrated love’s necessity and intersectionality. The project produced evocative, artistically crafted dance-for-screen pieces, each thoughtfully filmed to showcase personal stories. It was a celebration of diversity and the power of dance as storytelling, connecting audiences through intimate expressions of love.

Hartlepool Halloween Parade (2019)
The Hartlepool Halloween Parade was one of the most playful and enjoyable events I’ve produced. Families, friends, and performers from across Hartlepool came together in a colorful procession of costumes, floats, and local talent, celebrating Halloween in a welcoming atmosphere. Many of the commissioned parade structures and costumes remain as hireable pieces for artists, extending the parade’s impact beyond a single event. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together, making Halloween a joyful, shared experience.

Hartlepool Fireworks (2017–2022)
There’s something truly exhilarating about a fireworks display, and producing Hartlepool’s annual fireworks event was always a highlight. Set against the town’s coastal backdrop, this dazzling show brought thousands together to share in the excitement. I worked to make the event family-friendly and inclusive, creating an evening where everyone could celebrate together under the night sky for a memorable moment of joy and community connection.