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 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 design theories of change and develop 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:
October
IETM Focus Bradford. With international relations having entered a new period of upheaval, we came together in 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 2025
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.
June 2025
Had a great day facilitating Just Us Dance Theatre’s Board away day, a sector leading Hip Hop organisation founded and driven by Artistic Director Joseph Toonga. Just Us aims to bring together, support and up-skill young Hip Hop dancers and early career artists from different backgrounds across the UK and internationally.
May 2025
I am currently working as an international consultant for SICK! in Manchester who last year appointed a new Artistic Director, Tracy Gentles. 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.
Also, I will be working with caravan assembly again as a mentor. caravan assembly is a biennial event that introduces a selection of the brightest England-based theatre-makers to an audience of festival and venue programmers from around the world. It takes place as part of the Brighton Festival, and it’s emphasis has always been on building meaningful relationships, rather than ‘selling’.
Finally, it was wonderful to have been one of the freelancers who was invited to participate in the development of The Creative Freelancers Climate Almanac - it's a much needed resource. Thanks to all the other kind souls that formed the freelance group and a extra special thanks to Hannah Graham who did the hard graft & JB. The final resource is going to be really valuable and it's so beautiful it really makes you want to dive in.
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.
I spent March focusing on smaller activities rather than working on a big project. This was partly because I recently assessed five different funding competitions. Nonetheless, I had a great time facilitating a Board away day for The Paper Birds which included a presentation on the policy landscape for culture and creative education—both in the UK and internationally.
I also started working with Malik Nashad Sharpe on some strategic planning for 2025 and beyond. In addition, I had the chance to meet up with two of my new mentees (one producer and one artist). I’m continuing to support Stuart Waters with fundraising and I’ve now facilitated the final session of the African Festival Leader Mentoring Programme.
January 2025
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.