The Creative Spark
Working Together for Young People’s Access To Arts, Culture & Heritage
Spring 2025 – Closing The Cultural Gap.
9am-5pm Friday, 21st March @ Living Lab, ARU Peterborough
DELEGATES LIST
Akeel Khalil, Salaam Radio (Managing Director)
Akeel is a distinguished international business consultant, dynamic radio presenter, inspiring public speaker, dedicated local charity manager, and self-professed tech enthusiast. With a passion for empowering communities and fostering meaningful connections. Salaam Radio 106.2FM stands as Peterborough's pioneering FM radio station with an Islamic ethos, proudly serving as a platform to unite diverse communities and amplify their voices. Committed to inclusivity and understanding, Salaam Radio offers a rich blend of faith-based and non-faith-based programming, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of cultures it represents. Moreover, the station plays a pivotal role in nurturing young talent, providing invaluable opportunities for growth, creativity, and engagement.
Ben Lyon-Ross, Landmark Theatres (Head of Talent & Participation)
Ben is the Head of Talent and Participation for Landmark Theatres (Key Theatre and New Theatre in Peterborough). Ben has worked as a producer, programmer and dramaturge over the course of his career, focusing in participatory theatre and artist development.
Callum Berridge, Eastern Angles (Associate Director and Head of Participation & Engagement)
Callum is Eastern Angles Theatre Company's Associate Director (Engagement and Participation). He has extensive experience as a facilitator and workshop leader. He has trained with Frantic Assembly, Complicite, The Globe and The RSC.
Caroline Wallace, Arts Council of England (Relationship Manager)
Caroline is a Relationship Manager (Engagement and Communities) for Arts Council England, and has a particular focus on Peterborough, alongside other Priority Places in the region. She has been working in cultural roles for over 25 years including as a County Arts Officer, Cultural Engagement Officer and as a Project Co-Ordinator for Art and the Public Realm. Many of these roles were in Luton or Bedfordshire.
Clare Roberts, Queen Katharine Academy (Children's Champion and Designated LAC Teacher)
Clare Roberts is the Designated Teacher for Looked-After Children (LAC) and Children's Champion at Queen Katharine Academy. She provides dedicated support to ensure children in care receive the guidance they need to succeed both academically and personally.
Daisy Blakemore-Creedon, Peterborough City Council (Councillor)
Daisy is a Labour Councillor for Fletton and Woodston in Peterborough and Chair of Eastern Young Labour. Elected in 2024 whilst sitting for her A Levels at Ken Stimpson Academy, she is the youngest elected councillor in the UK. Previously, Daisy was the chair of Eastern Youth Labour and has served as a youth councillor.
Derri Burdon, Curious Minds in Wigan (CEO)
Derri began her career as an English teacher, later supporting schools to deliver high-quality learning beyond the classroom. As Head of Enrichment for Learning at Bolton Council, she led strategic school improvement initiatives, including Find Your Talent, Inspiring Communities, and partnerships with UFA and Children’s University.
Ellie Sandall, Artivity (Director/Owner), freelance artist/illustrator
Ellie is a local Illustrator, author and art teacher, including running regular children's art classes at her own workshop space where she also employs other local artists. She is a published author and illustrator of children's picture books.
Emma Morton, National Literacy Trust (Project Manager, Literacy Champion)
Emma Morton is the Project Manager for Literacy Champions in Peterborough at the National Literacy Trust. In this role, she empowers volunteers to inspire children and young people to engage with reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Her efforts aim to enrich the literacy skills of the city's youth, fostering a love for learning and improving educational outcomes.
Eva Woods, Peterborough Collective / CPCA
Eva leads on youth voice for the Combined Authority skills team and has a background in youth and community work across Peterborough, in the public and voluntary sector. She was also one of the original members of Jumped Up's New Creatives group and is one of creators of Peterborough Cultural Alliance's youth podcast, Culture Talks.
Eleanor Turner, Freelancer, Artist, Community Leader, Educator
Eleanor is a harpist and composer with accolades including First Prize in the 2007 European Harp Competition, Second Prize in the 2011 Gaudeamus Interpreters Contest and a Wingate Scholarship.
Faith Falayi Peterborough Collective / CPCA
Faith Falayi was Peterborough’s first Young Poet Laureate and aims to encourage young people to claim their own poet voice and hopes to inspire the next generation of poets. In her work she like to write about all aspects of identity, exploring who we are through poetry.
Gabriela Gentile, Youth Centre in Eye (Craft Team)
Gabriela is a local artist who works in concrete, papier mâché and illustration.
Hana Sayeed, PCA, Metal (Intercultural Network Facilitator/Lead (PCA)
Hana is Programme and Operations Administrator at Metal Peterborough. She is also a spoken word artist, aka Malika Speaks, and a producer. Hana supports Jumped Up Theatre as an Agent for Change for EDI and is a Seedbed Artist at The Key Theatre.
Harrison Fuller, Freelance
Harrison is a freelance arts administrator specialising in heritage, fundraising and the arts, and has a track record of working with young people.
Helena del Pino, Church of the Holy Spirit, Bretton (Vicar)
Helena is the Vicar of Bretton in Peterborough, a parish with economic, educational and health challenges, she was formerly school chaplain at the Cathedral school in Peterborough. Helena is also a poet, yoga teacher and a former trustee of Jumped Up.
Jake Daniel Smith, Eastern Angles (Artistic Director and CEO)
Jake is the Artistic Director & CEO of Eastern Angles based in East Anglia. Trained in teaching, he was a Creative Learning Facilitator at Hull Truck Theatre before establishing a freelance directing career via roles at Chichester Festival Theatre, the Almeida and the National Theatre Directors Programme.
Kai Yarlett, Art Pop-Up Youth Programme
Kelly Joiner, Thomas Deacon Academy Senior and Junior (Community Engagement Lead)
Kelly is the Pastoral and Character Curriculum Lead (KS2) and Community Engagement lead for Years 3 -13 at Thomas Deacon Academy in Peterborough.
Laura Johnson, Gladstone Primary Academy (Art teacher/Arts Mark Lead)
Laura recently took up a post as the Art Curriculum Lead at Gladstone Primary Academy teaching art to ages 4-12.
Lauren Kendrick, Flourish Peterborough (Founder)
Lauren is the founder at Flourish Peterborough, which helps others to flourish through growing food, community and ecosystems and is the home of Peterborough Food Partnership. Lauren was the Peterborough Poet Laureate 2024. She has nearly 10 years' experience of community growing, teaching, workshop leading in the public, private and third sector.
Lisa Nightingale, Peterborough College (Student Engagement Lead & Daytime Duty Principal)
Lisa Nightingale-Gepp serves as the Student Engagement Lead and Daytime Duty Principal at Peterborough College. She is part of the Safeguarding Team, contributing to the college's commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Louisa Cox, Jumped Up Theatre / UCP (New Creative / Student)
Louisa is an undergraduate student at University Centre Peterborough and is a current member of Jumped Up's New Creatives programme.
Louise Thirlwall, Nene Park Trust (Project Development Officer, Arts)
Louise is the Project Development Officer (Arts) at Nene Park Trust in Peterborough, working on arts and engagement projects including Art in the Park and Peterborough Sculpture Collection. She is also Regional Champion for the Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance.
Louise Garwood, Actor/ Theatre Maker / Facilitator
Louise is a local freelance actor, director, theatre maker and facilitator who trained at East 15 Acting School. Louise was recently a recipient of a NNF Bursary which funded opportunities such as attending the Edinburgh Children's Festival and Polka Theatre.
Lucy Jones, ARU Peterborough (Vice Principal for Academic Development)
Lucy Jones is the Vice Principal for Academic Development at ARU Peterborough, where she focuses on expanding access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about supporting students to excel and champions equality, diversity, and inclusion in all practices. Lucy also serves on the Board of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, contributing to the enhancement of educational standards.
Lydia Baldwin, Peterborough Cultural Alliance (Senior Creative Cultures Leader)
Lydia is Senior Creative Cultures Leader for Peterborough Cultural Alliance. She works as part of a team to facilitate the delivery of Peterborough's Cultural Strategy and drive forward an agenda that supports children & young people in Peterborough, both in educational institutions and in communities, to engage with culture and creativity.
Lynne Collins, Natural England (Inclusion Senior Officer)
Lynne works across five counties for Natural England, working to break down barriers to access nature. She is also a writer and an artist who, for the past ten years, has repeatedly sat on hundreds of Peterborough benches illustrating life as it happens.
Marya Ali, Peterborough City Council (Youth Voice Worker)
As Youth Voice Worker at Peterborough City Council, Marya supports young people to lead change on issues they care about by running campaigns, consulting with their peers and influencing decision makers. Marya facilitates groups such as the Peterborough Youth Council, Youth MPs and the Children in Care Council who work improve services for young people in Peterborough
Maleeha Iqbal, Young Artist / Student
Maleeha is a Journalism student at University Centre Peterborough. She has her own radio show 'Her Chronicles' on Salaam Radio and is part of the Culture Talks podcast team and writes articles for the university blog Inside The Box.
Milo Machin, Art Pop-Up Youth Programme
Monique Benoiton‑Smith The Cresset, Bretton (Performing Arts Officer.)
Monique trained at the Academy of Live & Recorded Arts and actively works as a theatre director and choreographer, alongside heading up the Performing Arts Programme at the Cresset Theatre.
Nick Reinis-Keightley, University Centre Peterborough (HE Manager - Arts, Social Sciences and Student Support)
Nick is an experienced educator, currently working as the HE Manager for Arts, Social Sciences and the Student Support team at University Centre Peterborough.
Nathalie Verbruggen, City College Peterborough (Community Curriculum Coordinator)
Nathalie is the Support Administrator and a Designated Safeguarding Person for City College Peterborough.
Pia Larsson, Nene Park Trust (Project Officer, Access & Participation)
Pia Larsson is the Access and Participation Project Officer at Nene Park Trust, her role includes creating Social & Therapeutic Horticulture programmes at Nene Nursery.
Precious Graham, Culture Community CIC (CEO)
Precious is the CEO and founder of Culture Community, a Saturday school located in Peterborough, dedicated to teaching Black history, culture, and traditions to children and young adults aged 5 to 16. Their mission is to foster a sense of unity within the community by promoting the rich heritage of Black history through education, events, and social gatherings.
Rebecca Jackson, GA Centre, Friend of Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery (Centre Manager/Vice-Chair)
Rebecca has worked in a variety of sectors delivering social investment, marketing, events, project management, business development and community engagement projects. She is also Vice-Chair of Friends of Peterborough Museum
Rose Croft, Freelance Artist / Creative Producer with Art Pop-Up (Artist, Storyteller, Creative Producer)
Rose is a socially-engaged artist, storyteller and maker. She engages people with art, story and nature in ways that deepen our attention, and forge life long connections. Rose is a qualified Forest School teacher and works part time for Art Pop Up as Creative Producer and artist.
Ruth Campbell, Metal (Director)
Ruth is the Director for Metal Peterborough. She has a a BA Fine Arts from Central St Martins and MA in Photography from London College Communication.
Sam Roddan, Art Pop Up (Lead Artist)
Sam Roddan is a socially engaged artist and founder of the non-profit arts organization Art Pop-Up, established in 2011 to foster creative discovery and community enrichment. Through Art Pop-Up, she leads arts and crafts workshops, providing children and young people with inspiring opportunities to engage in the arts
Sarah Haythornthwaite, Peterborough Presents (Programme Director)
Sarah is Programme Director at Peterborough Presents. She has over 25 years of project management experience focusing on developing new ways to bring artists and audiences closer together through collaborations, events, exhibitions and activities (including with Metal and Vivacity).
Sara Basuc, CP Learning Trust (CEO), Nene Gate SEMH School (Assistant Head)
Sara is a Part time Assistant Head Teacher at Nene Gate school and the CEO for CP Learning Trust a not for profit Charity.
Shabana Najeeb, Raham Project (Peer Connector)
Sabana Is a Doula who lives and works in Peterborough.
Sofija Tarasevic, Nene Park Trust (Horticultural Apprentice)
Sofija is a Horticultural Apprentice at Nene Park Trust and works in the Community Plant Nursery, which offers green social prescribing sessions, bespoke workshops and family events for communities, school groups (including SEND), people with additional needs and young people.
Stephanie Peachey, Nene Park Trust (Head of Visitor Experience)
Stephanie Peachey is the Head of Visitor Engagement at Nene Park Trust, overseeing education, learning activities, and events. With a background in the arts and cultural sector, she brings expertise in cultural planning and development. Stephanie chairs a Creative People and Places programme in Fenland and West Suffolk, is a Director of Peterborough’s Cultural Partnership for Children and Young People, and is part of the team behind the Peterborough Cultural Alliance.
Tracey McIntosh, City College Peterborough (ESOL and Community Manager)
Tracey McIntosh serves as the ESOL and Community Manager at City College Peterborough, leading initiatives that enhance English language skills and community engagement. Her work focuses on empowering individuals to improve their language proficiency, fostering greater integration and opportunities within the community. Through her leadership, the college offers a variety of ESOL courses tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners in Peterborough.
Zainab Walji, Raham Project (Peer Connector)
Zainab is a Doula based in Peterborough.
Zara Iqbal, Cancer Research UK, Jumped Up New Creatives
Zara is currently a student at Peterborough College, who also works as a local volunteer and is a current member of Jumped Up's New Creatives group.
Jumped Up Team:
Kate Hall, Jumped Up Theatre (Creative Producer)
Kate has had a diverse career in theatre, founding Jumped Up Theatre in 1993 with fellow drama graduates, working for a number of organisations, from the Royal Shakespeare Company to Manchester Royal Exchange, in a range of roles from Assistant Director to Education Officer. Kate has also managed venues and delivered workshops in school, and was a founding member of Creative Peterborough.
From 2012-2015 she ran audience development projects in Peterborough as the Arts Programme Manager for Vivacity and from 2015-2017 was Project Director for Market Place, the Creative People & Places programme in Fenland and Forest Heath.
Sarah Hunter, Jumped Up Theatre (Event Producer)
Sarah has worked backstage from the age of 16, mostly at Peterborough's own Key Theatre. She worked as a freelance Stage Manager at venues including London's Bush Theatre, Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, and even the West End with the original London company for Dirty Dancing. Sarah went on to work as a Production Arts Lecturer and Course Coordinator at Peterborough Regional College for eight years before working as a freelance Production Manager for local theatre companies in Peterborough.
Jennifer Roberts, Jumped Up Theatre (Marketing & Participation Assistant)
Jen is new to Jumped Up, having recently moved from Manchester to the East Midlands. She has produced fringe theatre across Greater Manchester and is excited to continue her professional development for young people in Peterborough.
Emily Steele-Dias, Jumped Up Theatre (Participation Producer)
Emily has worked as a freelance artist, curator, and producer since 2018. Emily is an internationally screened filmmaker and her work primarily focuses on local communities, heritage and unheard stories.
Emily founded the organisation Cine-Sister in 2017 which showcases and promotes films with women filmmakers. She is also the festival director of the Gateway Film Festival which launched in 2019 aims to celebrate local history, community, often mixing film with other art forms such as dance, music and poetry engaging a range of people across Peterborough, Wisbech and Ely. In 2023, Gateway Film Festival was selected as the Film Hub South East BFI Spotlight Location 2023-2026.
Sam Smith, Jumped Up Theatre (Interim Marketing Manager)
Sam is Interim Marketing Manager at Jumped Up Theatre, previously Community Organiser for Peterborough Citizens working with young people to develop leadership skills and create change in the city. She also has many years of experience working in creative agencies based in London.