And the rest!

Creating Connections; A Journey in Community-Centered Art and Social Impact -

With a strong foundation in creative producing, outdoor arts, events management and community engagement, I bring a comprehensive set of skills tailored to deliver impactful, inclusive projects that resonate with diverse communities. My work is focussed on the Tees Valley and slowly spreading further northwards. I’ve worked in carparks, on the footprints of old buildings, under proscenium arches and in shopping centres across a range of artforms. 

Creative Producing & Artistic Direction: Experienced in leading multi-disciplinary projects that celebrate community voices and local culture, I produce work that blend bold artistic vision with practical execution. From curating live outdoor art or pop-up performances to managing multi-stage festivals, I ensure each project is lovingly designed to reach and inspire broad audiences while reflecting the community’s unique identity.

Workshop Facilitation & Community Engagement: I design and lead creative workshops and community engagement programmess, introducing new audiences to the arts and creating pathways to skill-building for all ages. My workshops are tailored to local needs and often hosted in accessible public spaces, making art and cultural experiences welcoming and inclusive for everyone. I am interested in working with the communities from which I have derived my identity because it’s these projects that result in the most honest effects on a community. 

Fundraising: I excel in crafting persuasive bids that secure critical funding from bodies such as Arts Council England. My approach involves aligning project goals with funder priorities, enabling me to consistently secure substantial grants covering over half of required project budgets. I frame each proposal with a balance of strategic insight and creativity, ensuring projects are well-supported and financially sustainable. I am a firm believer in sharing that knowledge to lift others up and ultimately create really lovely experiences for our communities. I have most recently been working on the Creative People and Places Programme application for a Hartlepool consortium.

Event Planning & Risk Management: With experience across large-scale, complex events, I handle every stage from concept through delivery and evaluation. I prepare meticulous Event Plans, Emergency Plans, and Risk Assessments, coordinating with public safety agencies and stakeholders to manage logistics, crowd control, and emergency protocols, ensuring a seamless and safe experience for attendees and am open to consultation around working outdoors. 

Financial Oversight & Budget Management: In my local authority roles, I strategically allocated resources to balance quality and cost-efficiency, supporting high-standard, community-centred programming against a background of terminal cuts and underfunded services. Through diligent tracking and reporting, I maximise financial impact and ensure sustainable practices are embedded in project delivery.

Governance, Leadership & Committee Roles: As a Trustee for ARC Stockton (2017–2024) and a Hartlepool Pride committee member, I contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and community advocacy. My governance experience includes leading chair recruitment processes, overseeing compliance with NPO standards, and advising on community-focused programme development, ensuring alignment with organisational missions. 

Mentorship & Talent Development: Committed to nurturing new talent, I mentor creatives from underrepresented backgrounds, offering professional guidance in career development, project management, and creative exploration. My mentoring style emphasises individual strengths, providing emerging artists with the skills and confidence to grow their practice and thrive in the arts. If you’re facing a creative problem, I’m always up for voicenoting some solutions if it makes the industry a better place to work in! My digital door is always open!  

Partnership Building: Skilled at cultivating relationships with councils, cultural institutions, and community groups, I prioritise clear communication and shared goals, fostering partnerships that amplify project impact and expand community reach. I combine creativity, community insight, and strategic management to deliver experiences that foster inclusivity, inspire connection, and leave lasting positive impacts on the communities I serve. If you’re looking to find someone very specific, chances are I’ll be able to point you in the right direction!

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