OUR TEAM

Deasy Bamford

Co-founding director

Collaborates closely with Vandna to provide consultancy services focused on advancing diversity within the sector, serving as a crucial bridge between artists and esteemed venues, festivals, organisations, and educational institutions, facilitating bookings and partnerships within the South West. Deasy is a mentor for our artists, nurturing their growth by honing industry skills, securing funding, and fostering valuable connections. With a strong commitment to the community, Deasy has also established the Bristol Refugee Festival and Imalya, and is currently in the process of founding an organisation in Cornwall dedicated to championing diverse artists.

Vandna Mehta

Co-founder and artistic director

Leads the charge in diversifying the sector through her proactive engagement efforts. She actively forges and strengthens connections with local communities, venues, organisations, and festivals to create opportunities for the Diverse Artists Network and to change representation within the sector. In 2024, Vandna will be moving to Artistic Director for Diaspora, the network’s annual city-wide festival. Her contributions extend to the founding of Vocalise, a significant community magazine in the heart of St Pauls, and she also holds the role of Community Engagement Officer for the Bristol Refugee Festival.

Jess Neill

Interim company manager

Jess is a freelance writer, producer and funeral celebrant, who has lived in Bristol for 16 years. Having first joined DAN in May as Producer for the inaugural DIASPORA! festival, her current role is Interim Project Manager. From now until autumn, Jess will help to establish a new membership scheme and agency, and ensure important policies and procedures are in place. In this way she is helping DAN be more fit for the future, so it can continue to help Bristol’s marginalised artists be seen, heard and paid.

Morayo Omogbenigun

Administrator

Morayo initially took an interest in racial justice as a Research Assistant on a Research Action for Race Equality (RACE) project led by the Black South West Network (BSWN) mapping racial justice organisations in Bristol while studying for her Social Policy degree from the University of Bristol in 2021. Her dissertation focused on decolonisation practices within the University of Bristol. After graduating in 2022, she worked as a Project Officer for BSWN on the Commission for Race Equality, housing policy and the UnMuseum programme, alongside working on the Bristol Legacy Foundation part-time. As of February 2024, Morayo began working for the Bristol Legacy Foundation as the Project Coordinator, focusing on public art, reparatory justice and memorialisation projects around the city. She was the administrator for DIASPORA! festival ran by DAN, and is now supporting administration and learning more about event production.

Giulia Bernacchi

communications co-ordinator

Oversees Social Media and Administration at the Diverse Artists Network. Within this capacity, Giulia manages the network’s vibrant social media presence, oversees newsletters, and handles crucial administrative tasks. She serves as a valuable point of contact for artists, venues, and organisations looking to promote their opportunities. In her other job, Giulia supports  Booty Bass and Ngaio Anyia as a dedicated Personal Assistant, overseeing bookings at renowned venues and festivals.