I am a Creative Consultant whose focus is on working across borders & barriers
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
This text has been published using Bionic Reading® which is a reading system that supports the reading flow, and is particular useful for readers who are neurodivergent. You can put my website URL into the BR app and it will process all the text for you.
Key areas of expertise
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Key areas of expertise *
Programming & Curation
I collaborate with venues and festivals to identify and connect with artists and companies, facilitating potential collaborations, workshops, performances, and residency opportunities.
Research
I produce comprehensive scoping and research reports, which may include mapping specific areas of the creative sector and providing actionable recommendations based on the findings.
Monitoring & Evaluation
I design theories of change and develop tailored M&E tools to ensure the quality of project content, delivery processes, and overall impact. This work also supports storytelling around the project’s achievements and support fundraising initiatives.
Facilitator
As facilitator I help to guide a group to brainstorm or discuss a particular challenge using activities are productive, inclusive, and collaborative. I spent a lot of time to ensure I am creating an environment where participants feel comfortable and engaged and I am particularly interested in working in environments in which traditional power dynamics are challenged.
Mentoring & Strategic Planning
I work closely with individuals and arts organisations to identify key areas for development, helping them shape and plan their work to achieve desired impact and long-term sustainability.
Policy Analysis & Development
I apply evidence-based policy analysis to support arts organisations to better plan and advocate for their sector needs.
Workshop leader
I can deliver a range of workshops topics, these include:
How to build transnational networks
Raising your international profile
post Brexit touring logistics
Festival Management
International fundraising
Digital sustainability
Evaluation in the Arts.
Latest News:
March 2025
I have been included in the pool of qualified candidates that UNESCO can consult when forming evaluation teams, managed by the Division of Internal Oversight Services for UNESCO.
Spending March doing smaller activities rather than working on a big project, this is in part due to the fact I’ve recently assessed 5 different funding competitions and I don’t have much head space but nonetheless I had a great time facilitating a Board away day for the Paper Birds which included a presentation on the policy landscape but in the UK and abroad for culture and creative education. Additionally I started working with Malik Nashad Sharpe doing some strategic planning for 2025 and beyond, I’ve also had a change to meet up with two of my new mentees (one producer and one artist). I am continuing to support Stuart Waters on fundraising and I have now facilitated the last of my sessions for the African Festival Leader Mentoring programme (some exciting things about this will be shared later on in the year….)
January 2025 J-
As a Trustee of Transform, I recently signed up to Julie’s Bicycle Board Environmental Champions programme. This programme connects a network of climate champions, who are putting environmental responsibility at the heart of governance.
And finally for January, Join me and my fellow panellists on the 31st January for a dynamic and wide ranging discussion about careers in the arts. Hosted by b-side director Rocca Holly-Nambi .
December 2024 - I will be delivering a workshop on how UK venues can extend their international programming for house. House is a venue network and touring initiative based in the South East of England, delivered by Farnham Maltings and a steering group of venue leaders, programmers and producers from the region.
November 2024 - I will spending the next few months working with the European Culture Foundation team providing reflection & strategic development support on their European Pavilion programme. The programme puts the question of Europe and its future(s) at the forefront through cultural projects and artistic productions. It calls on arts and culture as a vector to investigate, explore and discuss Europe’s burning questions and to bring a range of people and communities together to critically reflect upon and imagine Europe in new ways.