From 2011 – 2015, I was an Associate Artist on the payroll at Firstsite gallery, Colchester where I undertook a period of research focusing on the socially engaged elements of art practice resulting in an evaluative publication, Associate Enquiries. Other elements of the role involved working with diverse groups including schools, young people, adults and families,and deliver creative workshops, and encouraged conversations about visual culture and its relationship to personal experience.

A key project was Expermental Communities a project with several strands, including Airlock, which I co-led for a 2-year period.  This strand focused specifically on engaging and working with local young people.  Through regular creative activities supported by myself, a core group of young people who went on to form the group Y.A.K., a peer-led group for young people, by young people. Weekly meetings were held to plan activities, discuss ideas, share skills, learn and reflect. It also provided an opportunity to spend focused time on looking at aims and exploring their skills and ideas for events or activities at Firstsite.

Pushing Boundaries and OUR SPACE|YOUR SPACE 2013 Firstsite Gallery, Colchester 20