About me:
I’m a visual artist living in Todmorden – I’ve lived and worked in Calderdale for almost 25 years – most of my artwork features the Calderdale landscape which is one of the things I love about working here – it’s one of those places that even looks beautiful when it rains (fortunately). I have been a Creativity & Health Programme Manager working with the NHS for 5 years now – exploring how creativity and our creative sector can help improve the health and happiness of all of us. I’m part of the national UK Mayor’s Creative Health Network, a freelance arts fundraiser and a board member of Everybody Arts. Before this, I was Development Manager and Chief Executive at Square Chapel for nearly 20 years.
About my journey with CalderdaleCreates:
I’ve been a member of the Calderdale Creates Steering Group since 2023 where I try to bring my regional and national Creativity & Health networks and connections to ensure that Calderdale and West Yorkshire are at the forefront of this agenda.
I think that Calderdale is an amazing creative place and that part of what Calderdale Creates does is to champion, celebrate and connect our creatives and cultural organisations. I’m really passionate about equity and how we ensure that all of our people have the same access to creative opportunities that will enrich their lives. I think Calderdale Creates has an important role in increasing the funding coming into the area and ensuring all organisations have access to it – I’d also love us to be linking up more organisations with researchers and academics so that we contribute to an evidence base that advocates for the sector more widely.