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EDUCATION

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  • 2024 (ongoing) PhD Fine Art, Teesside University

  • 2021 - 2022: UK Creative Fellows

  • 2021: MA in Creative Practice, Harrogate College

  • 2010: Postgraduate Studies in Dramatherapy, University of Roehampton London

  • 2000: BA in Theatre, Bretton Hall, College of The University of Leeds

  • 1996 -1997: BTEC National in Performing Arts, Melton College

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CAREER

Theatre and Visual Artist, with a specialisation in disability arts in the field of education.

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COMMISSIONS

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  • 2025 - Lead Artist and Designer, Lighting the Lanes, Hemsworth Library Mural 
    Commissioned to design and install a large-scale public artwork on Hemsworth Library’s exterior and windows as part of the Crossings & Gateways public art program. The mural was co-designed with over 80 community members through engagement sessions with local groups. Featuring vinyl cladding and 30 stained-glass-style window designs, the artwork celebrates Hemsworth’s history, creativity, and aspirations for the future. The project was funded by Wakefield District Council, Arts Council England, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority 

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www.beam.uk.net/case-studies/lighting-the-lanes

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  • 2024 - Lead Artist and Designer, Community Mosaic Masterpieces (FEVA Knaresborough)
    Designed and led the creation of three large-scale mosaics through workshops with over 70 participants, celebrating Knaresborough’s heritage. The mosaics, inspired by St. John’s Church bells, Knaresborough Forest, and the town’s twinning with Bebra, Germany, will be permanently displayed at St. John’s Church in Knaresborough and Bebra, Germany.

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  • 2024 - Director, Ripon Theatre festival, The Golden Tree. Directed outdoor street theatre and led public workshops for the Ripon Theatre Festival.

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  • 2022 - Associate Artist, Moondust Theatre, 'The Winged Finger'. Co-produced and facilitated the creation of an animation that was integral to the production, and provided facilitation during the research and development phase. This was an Arts Council funded project featuring disabled artists.

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  • 2022 - Associate Artist, All Points North. Created a short animated film that was showcased during the production at Harrogate Theatre. This was an Arts Council-funded project.

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  • 2021 - Associate Artist, Moondust Theatre, 'Old Stinker'. Co-produced and facilitated the creation of an animation central to the production. This was an Arts Council funded project featuring disabled artists.

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  • 2021 - Lead Artist and Designer, Harrogate Letters, Artizan International
    Commissioned by Harrogate BID and Artizan International to design and oversee the creation of Harrogate Letters, a permanent mosaic installation in Harrogate town centre. The project involved nine large, colourful mosaic letters, each representing an aspect of Harrogate’s identity. As lead artist, I developed the visual concept, facilitated workshops, and worked closely with Artizan International’s differently-abled artists to bring the designs to life. The mosaics now enhance the streetscape of Cambridge Place, transforming a once-drab passage into a vibrant public art piece. The project not only revitalised a key area of town but also showcased the skills and creativity of disabled artists in a high-profile setting.

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www.harrogatebid.co.uk/colourful-harrogate-letters-brightening-up-town-centre-drab-street

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  • 2021 - Associate Artist, 'Ourgate', All Points North. Contributed to an Arts Council-funded project by designing posters and related artwork. Also led workshops supporting research and development with performers.

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  • 2019: Harrogate Christmas Sculpture. Sculpture and sound installation, Harrogate Town Centre

  • 2019: Nightjar Night Jar: Artwork for Land Lines Project, in collaboration with The University of Leeds Natural England and The Leeds Library

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  • 2019: The Labyrinth: Interactive artwork collaboration with artists Mussarat Rhaman and Adrian Beesley for the Bradford Festival

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  • 2018: The Hope Boat. Participatory Sculpture collaboration with artist Mussarat Rahman for the Bradford Festival, later exhibited at Bradford Cathedral, Leeds Museum, & Kala Sangham

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  • 2016: Owls Shadow. Installation of Papercut Artwork, Sound and Video installation with participatory workshops for Leeds City Library during Light Night Leeds

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  • 2016: Six Works Inspired by Trees. Artwork for Peterborough PECT Green Festival, Peterborough City Centre

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  • 2016: Garden Detectives. Design of public artwork for a nature trail which included 8 boards displayed in the garden and a children's guide to the gardens, RHS Garden Harlow Carr

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PROFFESIONAL EXPERIENCE


2018- Present Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre

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  • Facilitate performing arts workshops for around 30 disabled adults per week, creating an inclusive and expressive environment.
     

  • Developed a Makaton-integrated drama curriculum, improving accessibility and communication.
     

  • Produced and directed The Tempest, a collaborative, inclusive adaptation incorporating movement, sign language, and creative storytelling.
     

  • Lead drama-based movement, improvisation, mime, music, singing, and play, promoting confidence, communication, and self-expression.
     

  • Work closely with professional theatre companies and artists to produce accessible live performances and film projects.


2024 - Present Artizan International 

 

Lead weekly inclusive art workshops with differently-abled artists, fostering a free-flowing creative process. Provide one-on-one support to help artists develop their individual styles and create independent works.

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2024 - Present Northernline Arts

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Lead inclusive ceramics, mosaics, and glazed product workshops for disabled artists, developing fine motor skills and creative confidence. ​

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SOLO EXHIBITION​

  • 2024: Selected Original Papercuts, The Half Moon, Knaresborough 

  • 2023: Selected Original Papercut, The Black Mulberry, Knaresborough

  • 2022: Selected Original Papercuts, The Half Moon, Knaresborough

  • 2022: Legends of Knaresborough: Selected Original Papercuts, The Black Mulberry, Feva Arts Festival​

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GROUP SHOWS​

  • 2022: Selected Papercuts, Briggate Arts, Open Studio

  • 2021: Not Sun Nor Swell, Laser Cut Composite Artwork, Shadows / Reflections, Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre

  • 2021: Selected Papercuts, Spa Studios Open Studio, Nidd Art Trail

  • 2014: Fawn Forlorn, Laser Cut Artwork, The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, South Square Gallery, Thornton

  • 2012: Selected Papercut Artworks, Thread Fest, Kala Sangham

  • 2011: Installation and Selected Papercut Art, Memory Theatre, Gallery II, University of Bradford

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ARTIST TALKS​

  • 2017: Introduction to the challenges and issues relating to working with vulnerable individuals and families, The Whole Picture, Engage International Conference, Hull

  • 2016: The History Paper Cut Artworks, Afternoon Talk, West Yorkshire Playhouse​

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CURATING​

  • 2021: Shadows / Reflections: Curated an exhibition featuring sculptures and fine art based on the theme of shadows and reflections at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre

  • 2012 - "SPECT: The Artist's Gaze" at Delius Arts & Cultural Centre: Curated an exhibition showcasing 140 life drawings, and produced the performance art piece "SPECT". This work explored the dynamic between the artist's gaze and the model, examining the relationship between the observer and the observed​

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RESIDENCIES AND WORKSHOPS

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  • 2022: Zine Making Workshop, National Arts Strategies Homecoming, Baltimore USA: Investigations into co-producing creative responses

  • 2021: Mosaic Participatory Workshop, Artizan International, Harrogate

  • 2019: Mask Making Workshop, Leeds Playhouse: Heydays, creative outreach workshops for older people

  • 2019 - Special Effects Workshop at Theatre Deli, Sheffield, in collaboration with Third Angel

  • 2019: Creative Education Workshops, "Around The World in Eighty Days", Leeds Playhouse

  • 2018 - 2020: Arts Workshop Leader, Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, Creative Outreach: Conducting creative arts sessions for young people with additional needs with support from BBC Children in Need

  • 2018 - Northern Ballet, Leeds: Facilitated a mask making and physical theatre workshop

  • 2017: Creative Education, "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", Leeds Playhouse

  • 2017: Creative outreach workshops for older people, Hoot Creative Arts, Huddersfield

  • 2016 - 2018: Papercutting Workshops, Leeds Playhouse: Heydays, creative outreach workshops for older people

  • 2016 - 2023: Performing Arts Workshop Leader, Henshaws Arts Crafts Centre: Developing new workshops and facilitating workshops in performing arts

  • 2016 - Northern Ballet, Leeds: Facilitated a mask making and physical theatre workshop

  • 2016: Kes outreach workshops for older adults, facilitated by Ruth Hannant, Young at Arts, West Yorkshire Playhouse

  • 2013: Carnival Artist for 'Midnight FatCat Nah Pay Tax’, ACE funded project for Callaloo Carnival Arts for the Leeds Carnival

  • 2012: Workshop Assistant and Artist, Heiden Bridge Hand Made Parade

  • 2011: Resident Theatre Artist, Bradford Playhouse

  • 2003 - 2010: Performing Arts Resident Lead Artist, Chapel Grange School

  • 2003-2009 - Breeze Leeds: Conducted special effects workshops for young people throughout the Leeds area. Engaging in the development of visual art skills

  • 2003 - 2008: Workshop Leader, Raising Attainment through the Creative Arts, Widening Participation Project throughout West Yorkshire for Leeds College of Music

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PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS

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  • Scripts Written

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  • 2023: The Tempest: A Comical deconstruction of Shakespeare’s Comedy, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre

  • 2009: Mandrakes Magnificent Machine: Script for Absurd Acts and Frolicking at The Bradford Playhouse

  • 1995: Hamlet’s Video Diary: Script for performance at Peterborough Arts Centre

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Film, Animation, and Video Art

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  • 2023 - '.Artmaker', a short film about differently-abled artists, exhibited at Rural Arts Yorkshire in Thirsk

  • 2022 - 'The Winged Finger', Moondust Theatre. Co-produced and facilitated a central animation for this Arts Council funded theatre production featuring disabled artists. Also involved in the research and development phase

  • 2022 - 122 Love Stories, Short Animated Film, All Points North: Created for an Arts Council-funded production at Harrogate Theatre

  • 2021 - 'Old Stinker', Moondust Theatre. Produced a central animation for this Arts Council funded theatre production featuring disabled artists

  • 2017 - Resident Artist, Royal Pump Room Museum, Harrogate. Facilitated shadow art workshops culminating in a silhouette animation presented during the Tour de Yorkshire

  • 2013 - "Infinite Loop": A multi-arts installation at Bates Mill in Huddersfield, in collaboration with musician John Dor & STEMS, as part of the event "HOPE"

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