I really enjoy talking to people about the power of the arts, community action and social change, and am regularly commissioned to lead talks and workshops. These often fall into one (or more) of these broad themes:
Advocating for the arts
The opportunities and impact of ​creative activity - for people, society and community. I've given evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, become a (semi) regular guest on Radio 4's Front Row programme, and spoken at conferences, events and seminars of all kinds, including this one for the David Hume Institute.
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Building networks
I've come to specialise in building and leading really active, collaborative networks. Over the years, I've learned ​a huge amount about what works (and doesn't), and how best to grow networks that are effective, welcoming and inclusive. You can read a few thoughts on that, here.
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Community activism
​I regularly lead workshops with organisations like Eden Project Communities, focussing on simple tools and ideas to equip people with the confidence to tackle their own projects. I love to hear about the actions that attendees go on to take in their own communities, on issues they care about. Here's a video of me presenting on this topic at Creative Dundee's Pecha Kucha event.
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Creative placemaking
​Much of my work is rooted in places and communities, and I'm an advocate for a culture sector that is locally rooted and responsive to its place. I'm always keen to share with organisations who are looking to use creativity to make their places more vibrant, connected, participatory and representative. I've blogged for think tank Culture Commons on the future of locally-rooted decision making in the arts.
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Good practice in the arts
I've worked extensively on what it is to create sustainable, mutually-satisfying and fairly-rewarding work. I'm a member of the Scottish Parliament's Culture and Fair Work Taskforce, and have practical experience of shaping projects, contracts and partnerships that centre good practice. I've worked in grant assessment (for Foundation Scotland and Cultural Bridge) and awards judging (SURF Awards 2025), too.
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Turning ideas into action
​My work on project management and coordination means I've become something of a specialist in getting ideas off the ground, and making things happen. I work regularly with organisations like Creative Entrepreneurs Club and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's SHIFT summer school to share these skills with recent graduates. I've shared a few of my principles for project management in this blog.
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Workshop feedback
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"Thank you so much for being part of our session. We had an amazing light bulb moment at the end when a lady told us she was so inspired by your talk: she wanted to start a seed sharing library in her own town but didn’t know where to start. She immediately went onto Facebook Marketplace and found a cupboard someone was giving away for free and claimed it. It was such a simple act but listening to you gave her the confidence to get on with it".
- Eden Project Communities​