our people
dawn giles
chief executive
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I have worked in the visual arts for over 20 years, firstly as a practising artist, exhibiting my work and teaching in art colleges, then in arts organisations, managing arts projects, commissions and exhibitions. Most recently I managed the East Midlands Visual Arts Network (EMVAN), and before that I was visual arts officer for Arts Council England East. So I like to think I have an understanding of individual artists and their work alongside an ability to see the bigger picture. |
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I have been CEO of Bedford Creative Arts since April 2011. I am responsible for the overall direction of BCA ensuring we have the artists and resources to deliver our mission to a wide audience. I am lucky to have a job that is also my hobby and passion, so when I’m not at my desk I like to experience a wide range of arts from theatre and dance to cinema. |
jennie stoddart
curator producer
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I joined Bedford Creative Arts in January 2012, bringing with me nearly a decade of experience in arts management and curation. Previously I was Head of Creative Programmes at Folly, a leading digital arts agency in the Northwest, where I initiated projects such as the Radar programme of experimental artists’ residencies in public libraries, led numerous inclusive arts projects and innovative new media and digital commissions, and supported the development of internationally relevant resources such as the Digital Artists Handbook. |
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At BCA I lead the planning, management and delivery of our programme; manage our marketing and project evaluations. I am specialist in digital, new media and participatory arts practices, and passionate about socially engaged and collaborative approaches in the production and experience of new art. Outside of work I am a keen crafter and arts attender in my own right. |
jan uprichard
assistant curator producer
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Having completed my Masters in Art in Public at the University of Ulster in January 2010, with a final semester at the Bauhaus in Weimar, Germany I have a practice deeply rooted in social engagement and participation. Over the past ten years I have been developing my own practice undertaking projects in the National Gallery of Bulgaria in 2006 and more recently in Erfurt, Germany in June/July 2010, the Béton Salon, Paris in August 2010 and at various locations in my native Belfast.
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I also work as part of artist collective Sociable Science formed in order to examine current socio-political and economic issues, instigating projects in Cork City, Dublin, Berlin and Den Helder. I joined BCA in may 2012 and support the curator in the delivery of our programme. |
kevin smith
finance manager
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I joined Bedford Creative Arts in February 2013. I am a self-employed Accountant specialising in the not-for-profit sector. I qualified as an accountant in 1990 and, prior to setting up my own business, I had a varied career of 30 years in both the financial services and not-for-profit sectors. Kevin@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
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jackie haddock
creativity and wellbeing activist
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I graduated from East London University in 2001 in Psychosocial Studies and Visual Theories. I have worked in mental health services in various capacities since 2005 as a holistic therapist, a learning support worker and as coordinator of a voluntary art group for people who use creativity as a means to wellbeing and recovery from mental health difficulty. |
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kayte judge
associate producer
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I didn’t know I was a producer until Dawn Giles told me I was one. I had been active in Bedford undertaking grassroots arts events, festivals, exhibitions and pop up shops when Dawn invited me to join the BCA team back in 2011. Through working in Bedford Creative Arts I have been able to professionalise my practice and gain insight into the world of arts and cultural provision. The participatory ethos of the programming at Bedford Creative Arts is extremely attractive to me and I consider myself lucky to be able to work with BCA as an associate producer alongside my freelance work and community projects. I hold a MSc in Managing Business Creativity and Innovation and thrive on making stuff happen. |
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