After arriving in Britain with my children due to the war in Ukraine, I focused on community support and cultural projects. In Ukraine, I worked in the media, writing about human rights, parenting, feminism, and culture, and gained expertise in gender monitoring and event organisation. In Dorset, I founded a Ukrainian community group TheWeyUa, leading…

Hi, my name is Poppy Hardwicke, and I’m the new production assistant at B-Side! I graduated from the University for the Creative Arts in 2022 with a first-class degree in Acting and Performance. Throughout my academic journey, I developed a deep appreciation for the arts and the way they can connect people. I have always…

Archie is an actor, director and producer based in Dorset, working across the country with various organisations. He runs the award-winning production company ‘OffPiste Theatre’ where they make narrative film, theatre and hybrids of the two. Collaboration is at the heart of how Archie works and he’s looking forward to continue working with b-side to…

I am the very enthusiastic, and very pink, new Manager for BnB-side! I have worked in the Hospitality industry for over 10 years and am delighted to be bringing my knowledge and expertise across to b-side’s exciting new venture. I grew up in Weymouth and Portland, and after several years of recently living in Brighton,…

I have come to arts and community in a very roundabout way, but it all seems to have added value to my role at b-side. I have always worked with people from being a researcher in Parliament to teaching life drawing in Peckham (luckily not Del or Rodney!) and teaching children and adults on Portland…

I’m one of the co-founders of b-side and grew up on the island in the 80’s. Like many people, I moved away and returned in 2005 after studying and teaching site-specific performance. I am also a writer and currently researching the stories of almost-forgotten women with a particular connection to places, natural history and war. I…

I originally trained in graphic design but have had a varied artistic career, from designing gig posters and indie record sleeves, to devising and illustrating children’s picture books. I now combine my own practice as a visual artist with curatorial work. My interests and influences lie in the areas of archaeology and geology and I…

I originally trained as a sculptor. I have worked in the cultural sector in Dorset for over 20 years in galleries, museums and events as a curator and producer. My focus for many years was in gallery education and it’s this interest in communication and engagement that really motivates me.

Hello! I am passionate about sparking connections and new conversations between people, be it through festivals, radio shows, or writing. Prior to joining the wonderful team at b-side, I was the British Council’s Head of Arts East Africa, and subsequently Director of Arts Sub-Saharan Africa. I co-founded and directed 32° East | Ugandan Arts Trust,…