With a wide range of experience in the arts sector working closely with makers and artists, I consider myself a highly driven and creative individual and I am particularly interested in widening participation in the arts, design, craft and architecture sectors through education and outreach.
I have recently finished researching at the University of Edinburgh for a Masters of Sciences by Research in Architecture gaining a distinction. My research focuses on the ways that spaces of play (both physical and immaterial) are constructed by built environments, with a specific focus on sites of exhibition and the potential for design curation to act as an engagement process. This specialism is underpinned by my determination to improve the creative agency of users in their environments. Prior to this, I graduated from the University of Edinburgh with First Class Honours in Master of Arts with Honours Architecture. I also continue to work as a freelance curator, artist, maker and designer.
My website provides further detail and examples of my design, writing and research work:
http://cargocollective.com/jes...
Creative Scotland, Edinburgh, GB, Creative Industries Officer (Craft)
Underpinned by my knowledge and experience in decision making to develop place and community through creative practice, I provide advice, guidance and support to individuals and organisations across the craft sector. In addition, I co-ordinate and lead relevant activities, programmes and projects, as well as assessing and making recommendations on funding applications. I work collaboratively with a range of cross-disciplinary colleagues, external partners, organisations and individuals in order to create the conditions for the creative industries to thrive in Scotland, supporting the delivery of Creative Scotland’s strategy and plans. It is my responsibility to maintain a national and international overview of my specialism in craft and support the delivery of strategic initiatives that will progress the craft sector across local contexts, Scotland, the UK and internationally. I work to develop the profile, knowledge, understanding and inclusivity of the contemporary craft sector and support makers and organisations to develop a sustainable practice. Furthermore, acting as a lead officer for a number of high-profile organisations and local authorities I maintain positive and effective relationship management, supporting key partnerships and the wider strategy for the sector through advice and guidance. Finally, I contribute to panel decision making, assessing applications for funding against agreed criteria and provide expert support to others’ assessments, following up this process through effective evaluation of agreed projects and programmes.
Invisible Spaces, Edinburgh, GB, Artist/Curator
I am currently developing a six-week group exhibition in collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland which will show at Summerhall in December, exploring the contemporary spaces and environments of young people in Scotland. I will be working as part of a team of fifteen contemporary visual artists to develop a curatorial strategy and show our work.
Imaginate (Edinburgh International Children's Festival), Edinburgh, GB, Young Associate
I am co-curating the opening weekend of Edinburgh International Children's Festival with a full programme of design, theatre and craft for children from an open call. Working closely with the artists and makers to support their needs, I have also managed and produced the festival within the National Museum of Scotland's collections and exhibition spaces
National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, GB, Gallery Attendant
Based at the National Portrait Gallery I welcome visitors, answering their queries and providing them with a pleasant visit to the gallery as well as ensuring the safety of the collections.
Edinburgh Printmakers, Edinburgh, GB, Gallery and Sales Intern
I gained valuable experience in the sales, archiving and gallery events of a busy arts charity and commercial gallery focusing on the development of artists and makers in the craft sector specialising in fine printmaking. I worked very closely with artists and makers to sell, develop and promote their work through our exhibitions, education and sales programmes supporting both developed and new artists in creating and improving their practice and business.
Edinburgh Artists' Moving Image Festival, Edinburgh, GB, Graphic Designer
I rebranded and designed the magazine’s visual material, leading the creative team and liaising closely with editorial staff, supporting and managing a team of fifteen visual artists, photographers and designers.
The Columnist, Edinburgh, GB, Creative Director
I rebranded and designed the magazine’s visual material, leading the creative team and liaising closely with editorial staff, supporting and managing a team of fifteen visual artists, photographers and designers.
Edinburgh Artists' Moving Image Festival, Edinburgh, GB, Graphic Designer
I produced specialist visual art interpretation handouts for events at the Talbot Rice Gallery, Fruitmarket and Filmhouse which retained a consistent visual identity despite the varying logos, written material and formatting requirements, gaining an in-depth understanding of freelance work.
Archinect, Uk-based, Freelance Writer
I produced news articles discussing architecture and design sector.
Here are some links to examples of my published work:
http://uk.archinect.com/news/article/149960972/environmentally-friendly-design-inspires-education-at-howe-dell-primary-school
http://uk.archinect.com/news/article/149967132/archinect-s-top-picks-for-the-london-design-festival
Edinburgh Artists' Moving Image Festival, Edinburgh, GB, Accessibility Contents Producer
As a member of the inaugural team, I helped to set up a festival at the Edinburgh Filmhouse to cater to an under-developed section of the visual arts in Scotland, supporting artists by providing them with the platform and resources to show and promote their work through screenings, events and talks. The festival has since expanded and now shows at a wide number of major organisations in the city and I continue to work with them in a number of roles as they develop. In 2015 I particularly worked as part of the accessibility team to devise and develop our access policies and produce as accessible and inclusive a festival as possible. I produced audio description and subtitling as part of a team, learning new software on a very tight deadline.
Chambers McMillan, Edinburgh, GB, Architectural Assistant
I provided accessible designs as part of a small team, leading successful pitches and liaising closely with clients and contractors, and gaining extensive experience of managing complex projects in the design sector.
Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh, GB, Information Assistant
I organised events and provided artwork interpretation to the public, developing my understanding of contemporary visual arts organisations.
The Tea Project, MAC (Midlands Arts Centre), Birmingham, GB, Set Design and Social Media
I designed the sets for an experiential theatre piece, working closely with a team of makers, and ran the organisation’s social media output.
Design for Development Society, Edinburgh, GB, Treasurer and Committee Member
Working to promote awareness of sustainability within the next generation of makers and designers, I organised the society’s lectures, screenings, design workshops and fundraising events as part of a team as well as acting as treasurer.
The Big Draw, Birmingham, GB, Workshop Co-ordinator
I designed and ran age-appropriate art and making workshops for 5-12-year-olds, promoting their creative skills and their understanding of community and culture.
Glancy Nicholls Architects, Birmingham, GB, Work Experience
Aston University, Birmingham, GB, Graphic Design Work Experience
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, GB, Masters, MSc by Research - Architecture
Distinction
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, GB, Masters, Master of Arts with Honours Architecture
First Class Honours
King Edward VI Handsworth School, Birmingham, GB, High School, A levels and GCSE's
A levels-
Art, Music, English Literature, General Studies
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GCSE's-
Fine Art, Art & Design, Music, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, English Literature, French, Information Communication Technology, Drama
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