Below our consortium partners, and their list of associated coaches supporting our fellows on the programme.
- C3 Centre at Staffordshire University – Lead Organisation. Expertise: Co-Creation, Culture 3.0, Cultural Leadership, Intangible heritage, Ceramics, The Potteries, Socially engaged practices, Placemaking, 100 Year Plan and long-term sustainability, nature recovery.
- Carola Boehm – Professor of Arts and Higher Education, Staffordshire University
Carola Boehm is Professor of Arts and Higher Education at the C3 Research Centre for Creative Industries and Creative Communities at Staffordshire University. She is the author of Arts and Academia: The Role of the Arts in Civic Universities (Emerald 2022) and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed works. Her current research explores how creative co-creation offers new structures for partnerships in culture-led regeneration and placemaking. Carola serves on peer review panels for UKRI and the European Commission, and is a member of the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport College of Experts, advising on creative and cultural industry policy.
🌐 https://blogs.staffs.ac.uk/c3centre/ - Neil Brownsword – Artist and Professor of Ceramics, Staffordshire University
Neil Brownsword is an award-winning ceramic artist and Professor of Ceramics at Staffordshire University. His work investigates the histories of ceramic manufacture in North Staffordshire, often in collaboration with former industry artisans. Neil’s practice combines historical research, performance, and contemporary craft, and he has exhibited internationally, winning prestigious awards including the Loewe Craft Prize.
🌐 https://blogs.staffs.ac.uk/c3centre/ - Anna Francis – (currently not available as coach) Professor of Art and Society, University of Staffordshire;
Anna Francis is an artist and researcher whose work creates space to discuss and reframe city resources through participatory art interventions. She develops situations for herself, the public, and other artists to explore places differently. In recent years her practice has focused on Stoke-on-Trent, using an action research process to identify untapped resources and co-create solutions with communities. This has included transforming an abandoned garden into a pocket park and retrofitting a derelict pub into a creative community hub. She is also a Director at The Portland Inn Project, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. - Jodie Gibson – Artist and Creative Producer
Jodie Gibson is an artist and creative producer with significant experience in leading teams and arts centres. Her collaborative, co-produced practice fosters shared ownership and participation, working across disciplines to create impactful cultural projects. Jodie’s work combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery, enabling communities and creatives to thrive.
🌐 https://www.jodiegibson.uk/
- Carola Boehm – Professor of Arts and Higher Education, Staffordshire University
- Stoke City Council (SoT100, PMAG) – Expertise: Large-Scale Heritage Strategy, Role of City Archives, Role of Museums.
- Ben Miller – Curator, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Ben Miller is a cultural curator and heritage specialist at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, with a focus on developing engaging exhibitions and preserving the city’s cultural assets. He has played a key role in showcasing local history and ceramics heritage, linking collections to contemporary audiences through innovative interpretation and programming.
🌐 https://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/ - Tim Jenkins, PhD, is a Heritage, Museum, and Culture Specialist. Tim has successfully delivered numerous multi-million capital conservation and restoration projects which have included museums, art galleries, historic buildings and large objects. He has worked throughout Europe and North America within a wide variety of cultural and educational institutions, including as an archaeologist, curator, program director and university professor, giving him a broad oversight and understanding of the heritage and cultural disciplines.
- Ben Miller – Curator, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
- Stoke Creates Cultural Compact and regional Cultural Leaders – Expertise: cultural practices, culture-led regeneration, cultural compacts.
- Susan Clarke – Executive Director, Stoke Creates
Susan Clarke is Executive Director of Stoke Creates, the city’s cultural partnership organisation. She is a highly respected cultural leader and co-founder of B arts, with decades of experience producing large-scale participatory arts projects. Susan’s work has consistently championed creative collaboration, inclusion, and community empowerment, both in Stoke-on-Trent and nationally.
🌐 https://stokecreates.org.uk/ - Amy Davis – Social Media and Marketing Specialist
Amy Davis is a creative communications professional specialising in social media strategy, content creation, and brand storytelling for arts and cultural organisations. She has supported Stoke Creates and its programmes with impactful digital campaigns, increasing reach and engagement across platforms. Amy brings expertise in building online communities that connect cultural work to diverse audiences. - Alison Duckworth – Marketing and Business Development Consultant, Epona Marketing
Alison Duckworth is a highly experienced marketing and business development consultant with extensive expertise in cultural sector strategy, brand positioning, and audience growth. As founder of Epona Marketing, she has worked with arts organisations, heritage sites, and festivals to develop compelling campaigns and sustainable business models. Her work blends commercial acumen with a passion for cultural impact, ensuring clients maximise reach and engagement.
🌐 http://www.linkedIn.com/in/alison-duckworth - Kat Hughes – Director, Potboiler Theatre; Producer, Stoke Exchange Forum
Kat Hughes is a theatre director, producer, and facilitator known for site-specific and community-driven productions across theatre, heritage, and creative health. As Co-Founder and Director of Potboiler Theatre, she has staged work in pubs, town halls, nightclubs, and heritage venues, blending audacious storytelling with warmth and authenticity. Kat also produces the Stoke Exchange Forum, fostering collaboration across the cultural sector. Her work includes nationally recognised heritage projects and productions nominated for UK Theatre Awards.
🌐 https://stokecreates.org.uk/ - Clare Wood – Artistic Director/CEO, British Ceramics Biennial
Clare Wood is Artistic Director and CEO of the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), leading the UK’s flagship ceramics festival from its Stoke-on-Trent base. She brings extensive leadership experience from roles in both Sweden and the UK, including Chief Executive of Re-Form Heritage. At Middleport Pottery, Clare oversaw the transformation of former pottery workers’ houses into a new heritage attraction, studio complex, public archive, and community space. She is a recognised cultural leader with a strong track record in championing contemporary craft and heritage-led regeneration.
🌐 https://www.britishceramicsbiennial.com/person/clare-wood/ - SueMoffat – CommunityCo-Investigator and Director of New Vic Borderlines
- Susan Clarke – Executive Director, Stoke Creates
- Reform Heritage Trust -Expertise: Heritage Trusts, Heritage-led Regeneration, Archeology.
- Alasdair Brooks – (currently not available as coach)
Alasdair Brooks is Chief Executive of Re-Form Heritage, a national charity dedicated to revitalising communities through the regeneration of historic buildings. With a professional background spanning archaeology, heritage management, and conservation, he has overseen major heritage-led regeneration projects, including the ongoing stewardship of Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent. Alasdair has held senior roles internationally, contributing to heritage policy and practice in both the UK and overseas. His leadership ensures heritage assets remain sustainable, accessible, and embedded in local communities.
🌐 https://re-form.org/ - Victoria Astridge – (currently not available as coach) Development Manager, Re-Form Heritage
Victoria Astridge is Development Manager at Re-Form Heritage, supporting the regeneration of heritage buildings and the revitalisation of communities. She plays a key role in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and strategic development, with a particular focus on Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent.
🌐 https://re-form.org/
- Alasdair Brooks – (currently not available as coach)
- Wikimedia UK / Wiki Loves Monuments – Expertise: wikipedia and co-creation.
- Richard Nevell – Programme Manager, Wikimedia UK
Richard Nevell is a historian and open knowledge advocate, leading programmes at Wikimedia UK to increase access to cultural heritage. He collaborates with museums, archives, and community groups to expand and diversify digital content, ensuring that the UK’s cultural resources are represented and accessible globally.
🌐 https://wikimedia.org.uk/
- Richard Nevell – Programme Manager, Wikimedia UK
- Arts&Heritage – Expertise: arts and heritage partnerships
- Stephanie Allen – Executive Director, Arts&Heritage
Stephanie Allen is Executive Director of Arts&Heritage, an organisation that forges collaborations between contemporary artists and heritage sites. She has a wealth of experience at the intersection of arts and heritage, leading projects that challenge perceptions, engage diverse audiences, and animate historic spaces with new narratives.
🌐 https://www.artsandheritage.org.uk/
- Stephanie Allen – Executive Director, Arts&Heritage
- Art UK – Expertise: digital first organisations, co-curation in the online space.
- Katey Goodwin – Head of Research and Digitisation, Art UK
Katey Goodwin leads research and digitisation projects at Art UK, the online home for every public art collection in the UK. She has overseen large-scale digitisation programmes that make art accessible to millions, and works closely with collections, artists, and communities to ensure inclusive representation. Katey’s expertise bridges curatorial practice, project management, and digital engagement.
🌐 https://artuk.org/ - Natalie Willatt – Photographer and Socially Engaged Artist, Art UK
Natalie Willatt is a photographer and socially engaged artist whose work explores place, identity, and community. She works for Art UK and co-runs a social agency, bringing her creative skills to projects that empower people to tell their own stories. Natalie’s practice often involves long-term engagement with participants, producing work that is both artistically compelling and socially meaningful.
🌐 https://artuk.org/
- Katey Goodwin – Head of Research and Digitisation, Art UK
- The Audience Agency – Expertise: evaluation, metrics, audience development, museums and digital.
- Anra Kennedy – Director of Partnerships, The Audience Agency
Anra Kennedy leads partnership development at The Audience Agency, forging collaborations that enable cultural organisations to better understand and engage audiences. She has worked extensively across the UK’s arts and heritage sectors, advising on digital transformation, inclusion, and strategic audience development. Anra is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, known for her ability to bridge creative ambition with practical delivery.
📧 anra.kennedy@theaudienceagency.org | 🌐 https://www.theaudienceagency.org/ - Jonathan Goodacre – Senior Consultant, The Audience Agency
Jonathan Goodacre leads The Audience Agency’s international work and contributes to a range of UK-based projects. He is editor of International Agent and an expert in evaluating and monitoring cultural projects. Jonathan works with partners to deepen audience engagement, inform strategic decision-making, and share global learning with local relevance.
🌐 https://www.theaudienceagency.org/our-team/jonathan-goodacre - Zoe Papiernik-Bloor – Business Director and Consultant, The Audience Agency
Zoe Papiernik-Bloor is Business Director at The Audience Agency, with deep expertise in audience development strategies, business planning for the creative industries, and evaluation. She has delivered marketing and audience strategies and feasibility studies for local authorities, museums, galleries, and theatres. Zoe has led high-profile projects including Cultural Destinations Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire, multi-year evaluation for the British Ceramics Biennial, and evaluation for Creative People and Places programme Appetite.
🌐 https://www.theaudienceagency.org/our-team/zoe-papiernik-bloor - Alec Ward, Consultant – Lead for Digital Content and Skills, The Audience Agency – Alec’s career has focused on building digital capacity and confidence for arts and culture organisations through consultation and digital skills development programmes. As lead for digital content and skills at The Audience Agency (TAA), he has extensive experience of working with arts and heritage organisations, particularly museums. Alec brings with him 10 years of experience of working in digital within the sector, from supporting small museums with their digital skills at London Museum Development to consultancy projects with the wider cultural sector at TAA. Alec’s projects have ranged from digital infrastructure reviews, to the creation of digital strategies and content plans. His approach focuses on discussion and exploration, building solutions that work for you, your organisation and your audiences.
- Anra Kennedy – Director of Partnerships, The Audience Agency
- Historic England – Expertise: Heritage Action Zones, Transition to Zero Carbon.
- Tamsin Silvey, PhD, is Cultural Programme Curator at Historic England and has worked for over 18 years in art and heritage organisations, specialising in developing inclusive public engagement programmes in partnership with national and local cultural organisations. She has worked on public art projects since joining Historic England in 2015, curating projects that connect people with place across the country, most recently the High Streets Heritage Action Zones Cultural Programme. She is also an art historian specialising in museum studies, curating and conflict photography.
🌐 https://historicengland.org.uk/campaigns/high-street-culture/ - Simon Boase – Partnerships Manager, Historic England
Simon Boase develops and manages strategic partnerships for Historic England, with a focus on heritage-led regeneration, community engagement, and place-making. He works with local authorities, developers, and cultural organisations to ensure heritage assets are valued and integrated into future growth.
🌐 https://historicengland.org.uk/
- Tamsin Silvey, PhD, is Cultural Programme Curator at Historic England and has worked for over 18 years in art and heritage organisations, specialising in developing inclusive public engagement programmes in partnership with national and local cultural organisations. She has worked on public art projects since joining Historic England in 2015, curating projects that connect people with place across the country, most recently the High Streets Heritage Action Zones Cultural Programme. She is also an art historian specialising in museum studies, curating and conflict photography.
- Keele University – Expertise: Role of University and Heritage Partnerships, Role of Museums in Knowlege Production.
- David Amigoni – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Professor of English, Keele University
Professor David Amigoni leads Keele University’s research strategy and has spearheaded major partnerships between universities and the region’s cultural sector. He played a central role in the City of Culture 2021 bid, developing its Cultural Observatory, and chairs the Stoke-on-Trent Cultural Forum. David was instrumental in establishing SoT Culture, a partnership consortium attracting external investment into the city-region, and in creating the Keele Deal Culture, a landmark agreement to harness the University’s cultural resources for public benefit.
David is a member of the Sounding Boards Advisory Group for NCACE (National Centre for Academic and Cultural Exchange), School of Advanced Study, University of London. He is a board member and trustee of Stoke Creates CIO, the New Vic Theatre, North Staffordshire, and Erasmus Darwin House, Lichfield.🌐 https://www.keele.ac.uk/business/keeledeals/keeledealculture/ - Ceri Morgan – Professor of Cultural Studies, Keele University
Ceri Morgan is Professor of Place-writing and Geohumanities at Keele University, specialising in place-writing, literary geographies, creative geohumanities and creative-critical methods. Her research and research-practice often combine community collaboration with academic inquiry, producing place-responsive narratives that engage with heritage, identity, deindustrialisation and development. Ceri has led projects in partnership with local cultural organisations and is an experienced mentor and facilitator.
🌐 https://www.keele.ac.uk/ - Rachel Marsden – Creative Health Specialist,
Rachel Marsden is an internationally recognised curator, researcher, and educator specialising in creative health and cross-cultural exchange. She has led projects that connect arts, health, and wellbeing in community, clinical, and academic contexts. Rachel works with a wide network of partners to embed creative practices into health strategies and is a leading voice in the development of the UK’s creative health agenda.
- David Amigoni – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Professor of English, Keele University