OUR TEAM

Bashart Malik is a Director, Cinematographer, DJ and the Chair of our Board. He delivers high-quality creative outputs that amplify unheard voices and enhance engagement. Over 20 years producing
 music videos, features and commercials. His directing work challenges misinformation using cinematic storytelling. Watch his cinematography in cinema releases such as ‘Golden Years’ for Moli Films, Channels 4’s short form strand ‘Random Acts’ and an extensive range of music videos, TV commercials and features. Known for delivering immersive screening events and is developing a Bath based youth project, using innovative tech. 
Collaborating with artists for BBC’s New Creatives.  His DJ sets combine music from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. 

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.

Dr. Roz’s career spans over three decades. Driven by a passion for inclusivity, she now pioneers cutting-edge approaches to evaluation across disciplines and art forms. Collaborating with renowned organisations such as Tate and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Dr. Roz continues to shape the landscape of cultural impact assessment. Her work is not only a testament to her expertise but also a beacon for a more inclusive and equitable arts community.

For two decades, Penny has been weaving together communities through her choreography and performances, co-founding the Charity Movema in 2009.  Her work transcends stages, bringing empowerment and a voice to underrepresented communities. Penny has an extensive background in theatre, education, and community arts, and uses the power of movement to forge connections and break down barriers.

Rosco spent years honing his legal expertise, but ultimately found his true calling in arts administration. Today, Rosco stands at the forefront of the environmental movement, leveraging the power of art to drive change. His belief in the transformative potential of creativity fuels his advocacy for environmental causes and as an EDI specialist.

After 30+ years in Bristol, Oneil has built a powerful community network, merging music composition with strategic, high-level collaborations. Known for visionary thinking, he excels in networking, problem-solving, and ambitious goal-setting. Driven by big dreams, he aims to be an Ultrapreneur, leaving a lasting entrepreneurial legacy through impactful projects.

Sachin, a Punjabi-British visual and dance artist in Bristol, explores joyful, authentic expression through movement. His project, Moving Ink, paints live dancers, drawing from Japanese Sumi-e ink’s fluidity. With a background in economics, he also works as a financial strategist, blending artistry and analysis for sustainable business strategies.

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.

A driving force for creatives in the South West, Jazpa is a multi-disciplinary creative director, mentor, and artist producer known for paving the way for emerging talent. Whether performing, hosting events, or curating experiences at major venues and festivals—including Love Saves The Day, Glastonbury Festival, Forwards Festival, and Bristol Beacon—his impact is undeniable. Passionate about giving back to communities, Jazpa’s journey began through voluntary work, mentoring young people and helping them build confidence through music. His dedication and tenacity positioned him as a key figure in breaking down barriers for young creatives. He serves as a Director and Youth Guidance Mentor at ACE CIC, Operations Manager at BORN2BE Records, and Outreach Lead for Big Team CIC. Jazpa has a keen ear for new music and a commitment to championing diversity and inclusion. His diverse experience includes roles as a Musical Director for theatre, DJ, Workshop Facilitator, Radio Host, Creative Project Lead, and Community Board Member.

I am a passionate arts leader with over 20 years’ experience driving creative projects that centre diversity, inclusion and education. With a background in theatre and a specialism in arts management and cultural policy, I’ve delivered high-quality programmes that empower emerging artists, young people and underrepresented communities to thrive in the creative industries.

Throughout my career, I’ve led multi-disciplinary teams, built strong partnerships, produced large-scale creative events, and successfully managed everything from programme design to evaluation, fundraising, and touring. As a migrant artist from Latin-America and advocate for diverse voices, I am committed to expanding representation across the arts sector, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to the table.

Currently, I am Creative Manager at Creative Youth Network, where I develop and deliver creative programmes that nurture hopefully the next generation of artists and cultural leaders in the Southwest region.

Ari Rox is an Exeter-based environmental activist and long-standing member of the DAN community. Having engaged with Tribe of Doris as both a volunteer and participant, she deeply values the arts and diversity as essential drivers of joy, connection, and wellbeing. Drawing on her lived experience as a differently abled individual, Ari brings crucial perspectives to developing DAN’s inclusive, thoughtful practices. She has also played a key role in DAN’s outreach project, DINKA, supporting the delivery of diverse arts initiatives to communities across Cornwall to expand regional creative engagement.

Sarah James brings over 22 years of experience in socially engaged arts practice. Originally trained in visual arts, she began her career teaching secondary art before taking on learning and participation roles at major cultural institutions, including the Royal Opera House, Alexandra Palace, Arts Council England, and English Heritage. After producing an international outdoor arts and circus festival in Norfolk for six years, Sarah relocated to the South West, serving as CEO and Director for three arts charities across Dorset, Bristol, and Bath. She currently works at the West of England Combined Authority as Regional Lead for Creative and Cultural Industries.

MoYah is a Mozambican-born Afro-fusion artist, award-winning interfaith creative producer, workshop facilitator, and public speaker. Forced to flee Mozambique as a child during a prolonged civil war, he grew up in Portugal, where music became a tool for self-expression, identity, and social commentary. Drawing on rap, AfroFusion, trap, and alternative sounds, his work explores displacement, spirituality, and social justice from an African Diaspora perspective. Known for electrifying performances, MoYah uses lived experience to foster empathy, community cohesion, and artistic activism. Featured on BBC One and RTP, he is widely recognised for his international performance career and interfaith arts leadership.

James Nissen is a UK-based Yiddish singer, klezmer violinist, and music educator. He teaches at the University of Sheffield and serves as a British Academy Research Fellow, studying music, identity, and multiculturalism at international music festivals. James is a founding executive member of the Music, Education and Social Inclusion (MESI) group within the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance. Alongside his research, he collaborates with organisations such as Band on the Wall, Music Action International, and Music for Youth to promote diversity, inclusion, and social connection through community music education.

Carol Sherman is a performer and creative whose career began at eight years old at Oval House Theatre, writing, performing, and directing youth shows. She trained as an acrobat in her teens, performing across Europe before becoming one of the UK’s first acrobatic coaches at Circus Space. Carol later served as Artistic Director and trainer for Circomedia’s City Circus outreach project in Bristol. Possessing extensive experience in theatre design and carnival costume making, including work with St Pauls Carnival, she now focuses on Afro-centric art, touring her ten-foot puppet Afro Leana to inspire children of colour as a valued DAN member.

Dr Natalie Hyacinth is an academic and artist exploring music at the intersection of sound, gender, and Black life. She serves as a Researcher on the ERC-funded Sonic Street Technologies project at Goldsmiths, University of London. Drawing on Cultural Geography, Black Studies, Philosophy, and Afrofuturism, her interdisciplinary research centres messages of love and unity inspired by her Caribbean heritage. Natalie is a founding member of the Black Music and Cultures Research Group London, highlighting Black female perspectives on diaspora music, and contributes to the Sonic CyberFeminisms Collective. She also produces electronic music under the moniker The Black Astral.

Makala Cheung, also performing under the stage name KALA CHNG, is a Bristol-based community activist, artist, and creative leader. She supports songwriting and creative expression in schools through Listen Imagine Compose alongside the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Sound and Music. Makala helps direct Filwood Community Centre’s Levelling Up project to develop South Bristol’s cultural hub, while campaigning for cultural democracy with the Fun Palaces collective. Her extensive work in arts advocacy, community engagement, and creative practice has been recognised through accolades such as Creative Civic Change, the Bristol Cool List, and her appointment as a Bristol Happiness Champion.

Jo Burgess is a valued contributor to the creative community and a prospective member of the Friends of DAN network. Further details regarding Jo’s specific professional background, artistic practice, and community initiatives will be added as updated documentation becomes available. Jo shares the network’s overarching commitment to supporting inclusive arts practices, community connection, and cultural participation across the region, standing alongside fellow practitioners, organisers, and advocates dedicated to enriching local cultural landscapes.

Keshin is a Bristol-based DJ and the founder of grassroots event platforms AnExperience and Pangea. Dedicated to bringing people together through rhythm and movement, his events are designed to celebrate community, build playful environments, and offer spaces where audiences can experience joyous music. Keshin’s approach centres on creating immersive, uplifting dance experiences that allow participants to temporarily leave behind daily pressures. Through his grassroots initiatives and energetic DJ sets, he focuses on fostering collective joy, mutual connection, and a strong sense of community belonging across Bristol’s vibrant local music scene.

Ruth Pitter is Co-founder and Co-director of Bristol-based theatre companies Breathing Fire and Black Women Let Loose, producing work locally, nationally, and internationally. As a performer, director, and workshop facilitator, she collaborates with arts organisations, local authorities, charities, and businesses. A fellow of the Arts Council’s Women Leaders South West programme, Ruth has developed creative walking projects for women to address isolation and promote wellbeing. She also operates as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion consultant across public, private, and charitable sectors, having previously served as Head of Equalities at Voscur and Manager of the Bristol Crown Court Witness Service.

Nick Young-Wolfe is co-director of MUTI, a South West training provider for the live arts and events sector. Drawing on a background in professional theatre, community arts, and education, his directing credits include Anansi and the Grand Prize with Dip & Fall Back Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. From 2015 to 2023, Nick served as Creative Director of Creative Youth Network, following years of lecturing across higher and further education. He currently works as Civic Engagement Associate for the University of Bristol, managing an innovative micro-campus project in Barton Hill focused on community-led collaboration.

Penny Marie is a Bristol-based dance practitioner with 25 years of community experience. She founded Freedom Soul Dance, a practice blending West African, contemporary, Afrobeat, and freestyle movements designed to inspire joy and self-expression. In addition to teaching weekly classes in Bristol, she leads dance workshops regularly at Glastonbury Festival. Penny also collaborates with the Vital Beats charity to facilitate movement sessions in women’s prisons, utilising dance as a therapeutic tool to share creativity, foster personal connection, and build community resilience among vulnerable populations.

LaToyah McAllister-Jones is Executive Director of Bristol’s St Pauls Carnival and an Associate Non-Executive Director at NHS North Bristol Trust. She leads efforts to transform the carnival into a year-round celebration of African Caribbean culture. With over 20 years of experience in the homelessness sector, LaToyah has delivered multidisciplinary support for vulnerable individuals across commercial and charitable entities. A member of the Bristol One City Culture Board since 2020, she specialises in strategic development, change management, and leadership facilitation, helping social purpose organisations maximise their strategic impact.

Emma Harvey has led Trinity since 2007, growing it from a grassroots initiative into one of Bristol’s central cultural institutions. Under her leadership, Trinity delivers diverse programming, including live music, theatre, youth work, and participatory arts. She has managed major capital investments, successfully restoring Trinity’s historic building and securing the future of Jacobs Wells Baths as a community asset. Emma serves as a Trustee of Bristol Law Centre, champions underrepresented voices through initiatives like Citizens for Culture, and contributes to national policy discussions on arts-driven community regeneration.

Stacey Pottinger is a creative practitioner dedicated to fostering inclusion, community connection, and artistic collaboration. She actively champions underrepresented artists, building strategic partnerships and projects that celebrate cultural diversity and amplify marginalized voices. Motivated by the transformative power of art to inspire social change, Stacey focuses on transforming collaborative ideas into meaningful cultural experiences. She works to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have platforms to share their stories, designing accessible opportunities that spark dialogue, highlight cultural richness, and create lasting positive impacts for local communities.

Oliver Woods is a Bristol-based artist, creative, and activist dedicated to improving accessibility for disabled and neurodivergent communities. Driven by personal experience with accessibility barriers, he actively advocates for inclusive public transport and community-led change. Two years ago, Oliver founded a local creative cuppa group in Redcliffe, providing a welcoming space for community connection. As a practicing pagan and druid following the Wheel of the Year, he works to amplify conversations surrounding underrepresented spiritual traditions, grounding his artistic and community practice in inclusion, accessibility, and mutual support.

Katie Despres is a Bristol-based Systemic and Family Constellations facilitator and senior yoga teacher. Drawing on over a decade of embodied systemic practice and 25 years as a self-employed businesswoman, she explores how personal, ancestral, and cultural systems shape creativity and relationships. Informed by lived experience within complex, cross-cultural family systems, Katie brings a grounded, practical approach to intuitive work. She specialises in holding inclusive, accessible spaces where participants can gently examine underlying life patterns without feeling pressured to analyse, perform, or explain themselves.

Emily Malik is a biologist, nature guide, and eco-health practitioner focused on reconnecting people with the natural world. As a founding director of EcoWild, she delivers programmes bridging health, spiritual ecology, and community engagement, while also facilitating The Work That Reconnects. Emily sits on the Nature and Health Strategy Group for the West of England Nature Partnership. Holding a BSc in Biology alongside 25 years of yoga and meditation practice, her work emphasises somatic awareness and body intelligence, guiding adults through nature immersion, movement, and creative stillness in woodlands across Bath and North East Somerset.

José Barco is a facilitator of dialogue and Director of CoLab International in Bristol. Originating from Colombia, he brings over 13 years of UK and international experience across civil society, government, philanthropy, and environmental movements. José supports collaborative leadership in complex environments using community organising, participatory leadership, and systems thinking. He serves as a Steward of The Art of Hosting England, co-founded Community Organisers Ltd, and works as a multi-instrumentalist musician, blending rhythm, collective care, and creative practice to help diverse groups navigate complex social change.

Julia Widz is a sustainability manager within the food manufacturing sector, leading corporate initiatives that integrate environmental and social responsibility into daily operations. Originally from Poland and fluent in three languages, her career centres on improving how businesses engage with local communities and ecosystems. Passionate about wellbeing, psychology, and social connection, Julia explores how movement, nature, and food intersect to solve complex operational challenges. She also founded and publishes Vocalise, a community magazine created to amplify local stories, elevate diverse perspectives, and celebrate neighbourhood identity.

Carol Verdugo-Gonzalez is a Chilean-born creative professional, community organiser, and advisor with lived refugee experience and over 30 years of leadership across the social and cultural sectors. As a long-standing Virtual Assistant and business owner, she supports artists, boards, and purpose-led organisations across the South West. Carol is also a holistic therapist and Reiki Master who uses embodied, nature-based, and indigenous-informed practices to foster healing and personal reconnection. A dedicated river and environmental activist, she integrates strategic operational insight with grounded care to amplify underrepresented voices.

Kate Hartoch is co-director of MUTI Live, a training provider supporting workforce development within the live arts and events sector. She offers 20 years of experience as a freelance Creative Producer specialising in circus and outdoor events, having delivered projects for the Roundhouse, Glastonbury Festival, and Coventry City of Culture. In 2014, Kate co-founded Circus City Festival, later establishing Handstand Arts CIO in 2019 to manage the festival’s operations. She currently focuses her practice on professional mentorship, helping individuals build sustainable skills and careers in live arts.

AUGUST is a Bristol-based creative, singer, songwriter, producer, and educator working at the intersection of music and social inclusion. Her sound blends soulful, experimental influences rooted in Bristol’s musical heritage. As the founder of Bass Choir, an experimental vocal collective, she facilitates community engagement through vocal practice and music technology mentoring. AUGUST’s educational work empowers learners to build creative agency through songwriting and production. An advocate for accessible arts, her practice consistently centres music of Black origin, sound system culture, and global majority perspectives to promote collective growth.

Shiv Sama has served as Chair of the Avon Indian Community Association for 11 years, bringing over 40 years of community organisation experience. He was a founding member and Chair of the South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network for a decade and served five years on the Bristol Hindu Temple board. Honoured with a South Gloucestershire community award, Shiv focuses on bringing communities together through cultural events that preserve Indian heritage. He remains committed to utilising his governance experience and local knowledge to strengthen cross-cultural collaboration, social unity, and community cohesion across the region.

Kamina Walton is a Bristol-based multidisciplinary artist, writer, mother, and creative coach. Her artistic practice integrates dance, live performance, photography, and text through playful, embodied techniques. Using writing to anchor reflection, imagination, and critical inquiry, her work is deeply shaped by community collaboration and shared dialogue. Kamina is currently developing a body of work exploring womanhood in her sixties. This ongoing inquiry addresses themes of aging, societal invisibility, rage, and personal resilience, using creative expression to transform lived experience into nuanced cultural conversations.

Marina Moreno is an Italian-born interdisciplinary artist, curator, and educator whose work spans installation, digital media, photography, and performance. Her practice explores themes of migration, displacement, feminism, and identity. A former Associate Artist at Tate Liverpool, Marina has created public art projects internationally, exhibiting at institutions such as the Southbank Centre and Venice’s Palazzo Ducale. She serves as Public Engagement Co-ordinator at Fondazione Marta Czok, contributes to the CREATURE research network at London Metropolitan University, and acts as an associate artist for MK Gallery’s inclusive arts programme.