I am an active campaigner for equality of access and opportunity to the arts and for the celebration of cultural diversity and democracy, choosing to work with projects which express this whenever I can. I will always work actively against discrimination and harassment and view difference as a creative force in society. As part of my own professional development, I seek out experiences, training and information which I believe will help me meet the needs of the diverse communities and partners with confidence and sensitivity.
With extensive experience in teaching and community arts project delivery and management, I am very aware of the law and ethical dimensions of working with others. I try to keep my paperwork and working processes as transparent as possible, looking for permission, negotiation and respect.
Where possible, I aim to create space and possibilities for the development of mutual respect and dignity – for example, negotiating about venues, access, timing, costs, language, address and content.
Some examples: in 2011 and 2012 I ran free ‘banner making’ workshops in Birmingham for the Million Women Rise campaign for an end to violence against women (see blog http://www.hybridconsulting.org.uk/blog/creative-futures); in 2011 I supported the Muslim Women’s Network to write a successful bid for funding for arts and video workshops. Since 2010 I have run creative projects in Women’s Refuges in the West Midlands and London.
