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, a centre for contemporary art in Kampala, Uganda; and KLA ART, Kampala’s biennial public art festival. I received an MA in Contemporary Art Theory at Edinburgh College of Art and I am currently undertaking a practice-based PhD in Visual Cultures at Goldsmiths, University of London. The PhD is exploring queer abstraction in Kenya and Uganda’s art scenes.

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.

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 specialise in heritage and environmental projects. I was artistic director for Sherborne House Arts developing the gallery programme and outreach projects before joining b-side. I enjoy working in a team and the challenge of working with outdoor and non-arts venues, rather than gallery spaces.  

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 and elsewhere. It is all about connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds and encouraging them to have self-belief and try new things. Taking part in the b-side Window Wanderland, Lockdown Artists and then creating a Christmas window with my son encouraged me that anyone can have a go and that art appreciation really is for everyone. My background is more from a social science perspective and I have long been keen for Portland to find a way to gain agency so that things they don't want don't just happen to them.

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 am so pleased to be returning to the island and welcoming visitors to my roots on Portland.

Hi I'm Emma, the b-side FRINGE co-ordinator. I am a kiln-forming glass sculptor. I specialise in cast and fused glass sculptures and panels using hand built moulds. I grew up on and now live on Portland and am surrounded by sea and stone. My first degree is in Mathematics, hence my interests in the mathematics of nature and chaos theory. My main work is environmentally based and I take inspiration from my interactions with nature. I am looking forward  to seeing what brilliant art our community can produce for the Fringe this year.