I am a Creative Consultant whose focus is on working across borders & barriers
KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE
POLICY ANALYSIS & DEVELOPMENT
I apply evidence-based policy analysis to support arts organisations in planning more effectively and advocating for their sector’s needs.
RESEARCH
I produce scoping and research reports, including mapping specific areas of the creative sector and providing actionable recommendations based on the findings.
WORKSHOP LEADER & FACILITATOR
I deliver a range of workshops on topics including building transnational networks, demystifying arts policy, post-Brexit touring logistics, festival management, international fundraising, digital sustainability, and evaluation in the arts. I also facilitate group discussions and brainstorming sessions using activities that are productive and collaborative. I invest time in creating an environment where participants feel comfortable, engaged, and able to contribute meaningfully.
MENTORING & STRATEGIC PLANNING
I work closely with individuals and arts organisations to identify key areas for strategic development, supporting them to shape and plan their work to achieve their ambitions and long-term sustainability.
PROGRAMMING & CURATION
I collaborate with venues and festivals to identify artists and companies, facilitating potential collaborations, workshops, performances, and residency opportunities.
EVALUATION
I develop ethical frameworks, theories of change, and tailored monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools to ensure the quality of project content, delivery processes, and overall impact. This work also supports storytelling around project achievements and contributes to fundraising initiatives.
About me
I have worked in the arts sector for over 30 years supporting artists and arts organisations to develop and strengthen their opportunities and growth. As a creative consultant I draw upon my wide-ranging knowledge of contemporary arts practices and networks to provide specialist advice, and actively contribute to curation, programme design, implementation, research, or evaluation. With significant expertise in collaborating with international cultural agencies, I can facilitate transnational partnerships and programmes, activating my expansive network of contacts across institutional and grassroots organisations in Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
In addition, I work regularly with UK higher education creative institutions, including the Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, Glasgow School of Art, and Royal Northern College of Music. I advocate on their behalf, championing the vital contributions they make to the economy, cultural prosperity, and social wellbeing of the UK.
For examples of my most current projects
For examples of the work I’ve done over the years
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Latest News:
January Just Ideas is a new programme from Just Us Dance Theatre that supports artists to develop and present their ideas with more clarity and confidence, particularly when pitching to panels, businesses, or funders. A range of experts from finance, corporate, cultural leadership, and entrepreneurship will run a series of workshops sharing their knowledge and experience, giving the artists an insight into the different pathways and models of entrepreneurship. As one of the workshop facilitators I’m looking forward to meeting the participants of this exciting new programme and to hear more about their ideas.
This year I will also be working with caravan assembly, a biennial event that introduces a selection of the brightest England-based performance makers to an audience of festival and venue programmers from around the world. The emphasis for the assembly has always been on building meaningful relationships, rather than ‘selling’.
I also will be continuing to work as an international consultant for SICK! in Manchester. SICK! works with artists and marginalised communities to explore mental, physical and social challenges through art. They develop year-round projects in social prescribing, community engagement, public realm work and digital as well as a biennal festival.
December I am currently working with an arts organisation to fine-tune its new strategic plan by developing the documentation that will underpin its strategic infrastructure in the years ahead. This work includes creating evaluation frameworks and facilitating collaborative processes to support the team in drafting an ethical framework to guide future decision-making.
October With international relations having entered a new period of upheaval, we came together at IETM Focus Bradford to consider what this means for the future of cross-border creative collaboration. During the conference I led an afternoon session with the delegates to explore how the cultural sector can become stronger advocates for the international relationships that fuel our work and values. The session aimed to demystify policy-making and explore how arts professionals can influence it through consultations, campaigns and collective voice. Using practical examples and discussion, we unpacked what policy really is, examined key networks for advocacy - particularly in international contexts - and identified entry points for developing impactful policy recommendations together. The session also provided an opportunity to engage in discussion on EU–UK relations in the post-Brexit landscape.
September Had a great time delivering a workshop to the Sadler’s Wells Young Associates sharing insight on how they might start to develop the careers internationally.
I’m also thrilled to have found out I’ve been selected to participate in this year’s Creative United’s Re:Create programme.