Meet the Culture Central Team

CEO

I have worked in the region’s cultural sector for 18 years, on transformative programmes, leading both Creative Partnerships, Creative People and Places in Stoke on Trent as Director of Partners in Creative Learning.

I joined Culture Central in December 2019 and during that time have led it through a period of significant change, transforming the organisation into an inclusive and democratic space to ensure the visibility and viability of the region’s cultural ecology through the pandemic.

I believe in the power of Creativity and Culture and am looking forward to leading Culture Central at both an exciting and challenging time for the sector and the West Midlands.

A cultural experience that sticks with me most is Bianco, by No Fit State Circus, in a park in Hanley Stoke on Trent in 2013 as part of Appetite. Not only was it a stunning performance but seeing people who never normally have the opportunity to see a show like that, stood opened mouthed in wonderous awe - this will stay with me always.

Deputy CEO – Strategy and Policy Lead

I originally trained in advertising and graphic design, establishing a participatory design studio working with young people and the third sector. Since then, I have worked across creativity, learning and inequalities in the fields of cultural policy and sociology. My work in regional development and national policy has seen me work with organisations such as MADE (Midlands Architecture and the Designed Environment), A New Direction and Arts Council England, including wor as a co-author of the Durham Commission on Creativity in Education. My ESRC-funded PhD at the University of Warwick explored arts education’s potential for social and political change through the work of Stan’s Cafe’s education programme.

As Deputy CEO of Culture Central, my work is focused on research, sector development and change. I regularly advise organisations and policymakers on creativity, education and inequalities.

Partnerships & Development Manager

I have over 15+ years of Project management and community engagement. My experience in stakeholder management is leveraged to facilitate community mobilization, focusing on intersectionality and the specific needs of marginalized groups. I am dedicated to connecting communities to arts and culture and hope to bring that passion to influence policy and bridge the gap between culture creatives and government decision-makers.

My first most memorable cultural experience: The first time I went to Notting Hill Carnival as a teenager, seeing my Caribbean heritage in all its vibrancy celebrated by people from cultures and nationalities.

Communications and Networks Officer

I have worked in communications and engagement across a range of socially engaged organisations and projects over the past four years. I bring creative, analytical and community development skills to this varied role which involves promoting our programmes and keeping members involved with our activity.

I’m keen to spotlight and support the vibrant ecology of cultural heritage and creative expression happening in the West Midlands.

A cultural experience that sticks with me is attending Caribbean carnivals and block parties when I was growing up. I remember enjoying the mix of age groups, art forms, foods and the sound systems vibrating me to the core. Events like that taught me from a young age that culture is an essential tool for community building, preservation, and self-expression - particularly for marginalised groups. This is part of the reason I have endeavoured to study for an MA in Socially Engaged Practice in Museums and Galleries.

Programmes Officer

I have 13+ years of experience of working in media industries, across print, digital, radio and content marketing, and a lifelong passion for creative arts and culture.

I was delighted to join Culture Central in October 2023, as I have always been an advocate for the importance of creativity and cultural activity for individual wellbeing and for society, and I will take any opportunity to promote the West Midlands and its rich and varied cultural output.

My earliest memory of a cultural experience was my dad taking me to the theatre to see Sesame Street Live as a child. Seeing my favourite characters on stage felt magical at the time. As I’ve grown up, seeing some of my favourite stories played out live on stage feels just as special. Appreciating art in all forms as a shared and uniting experience with others will always be a huge source of joy in my life and I believe this should be something which is accessible to everyone.