Who we are

Hello! I am Abby. I joined Metal in July 2024. From the North West originally, I currently live here on the Wirral, but I have lived all over the shop in England, the South of France and South Wales. I am a curious and tenacious solution finder, a joy bringer and have worked so many jobs (school librarian, event manager, logistics coordinator, restaurant manager, a teacher…) but I found fulfillment working in arts admin over the last 15 years. I have always lived and worked with artists and creatives and love supporting joyful, collaborative, community-building projects. I love organising data, and curating objects/spaces. In my spare time I garden, sing, walk, dance, cook, read and volunteer. I started learning the drums in my early 40s and have just picked it back up – watch this space! If I were an animal, I would definitely be a beaver – hard-working, organised, chatty and likes living by water! 

Hello! I joined Metal in 2019 after a career rummaging around in London’s museums and galleries. Originally from Stepney in east London, I moved to Leigh-on-Sea in 2006 for a bit of fresh air. What’s brilliant about working for Metal is the variety of people we collaborate with – because we are a multi-arts organisation – in any one day you can speak to poets, painters, musicians, dancers, makers, trouble makers and everything in-between. It makes anything possible. A book I frequently carp on about is ‘The Intellectual Life of the British Working Class’ by Jonathan Rose – one day I will actually have to read finish it!

Hi, I joined Metal in 2016 as a Southend Borough Council Mental Wellbeing Coordinator. I was born and raised in Southend before going to the Northeast to study fine art. After teaching Design Technology and Art in London, Botswana and Southend, I undertook an MA in Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths College in 2006. I am passionate about using art to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and social isolation. I still make my own art and am proud to be a founding member of TOMA (The Other MA). I love working within NetPark Wellbeing and watching our participants grow and make friends, often coming back as volunteers or moving on to education or work. My favourite song is ‘Do You Wanna Funk?’ by Sylvester because it reminds me that dancing is the answer.

Hia, I’m typing from inside Platform 1 at Edge Hill Station, wearing glasses and trying not to overdo it with the coffee. Interactions between Metal and me go way back: I’ve performed Works in Progress, taken part in an online residency, and patched in for stretches of freelance technical work. Before this I undertook a degree in music, played in bands, then toiled between touring and jobs in kitchens, bars, retail. From 2010 I began work in a handful of Liverpool venues, which led to events programming, and starting up an ‘egalitarian clubnight’ called Cartier 4 Everyone. This fed into radio, broadcasting, and streaming online, which I fuse together with other passions to form a playful emergent practice. All of this has helped me along the way to being truly welcomed into the wonderful fit that is Metal Liverpool. Zhang’s Kitchen is the best place to eat in town; an author that changed the way I think is Ursula K. LeGuin; you can catch me actively listening to people speak passionately on overpriced headphones.

Hi there, I’m Hana (also known as Malika Speaks)! For several years, I worked with Metal as a spoken word artist and producer on various occasions alongside teaching and research, before joining the Peterborough team in July 2024. I was born and raised in the city, moving to London briefly to complete my BA in International Politics, before being crowned Peterborough Poet Laureate 2019-2021. I have performed and appeared on TV and radio shows, including BBC Look East and BBC Cambridgeshire Radio. My passion lies in community cohesion, inclusivity, wellbeing and empowering others. I love trying new things from skydiving to radio hosting and when I’m winding down, I’m diving into a book or lifting weights. One of my favourite books is Emerald Companion, a collection of poetry, prose and aphorisms, which provoke thought as you decipher their inspiring wisdom.

Hi, I originally came as a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Society and was impressed by what I saw and joined Metal in May 2016 as a full-time volunteer for NetPark Wellbeing. I have always lived in Southend-on-Sea and have 25 years of living with personal mental health concerns. As part of my recovery, I engaged with the therapeutic art classes being delivered at NetPark Wellbeing. I am now a paid member of the team and have won numerous awards for both my work as an individual and as part of the NetPark Wellbeing team. I am a philo-semite and enjoy learning/reading about Jewish culture. My favourite author is Franz Kafka, and my favourite singer is David Sylvian.

Hi there! I first discovered Metal through my previous job back in 2018, and held on ever since. Before joining the team I was fortunate enough to take part in an early career artist residency before joining the team officially in December 2019 as Peterborough’s site Administrator. I’m originally from a small village just outside Cambridge, feeling most comfort and joy by taking part in school plays and making little shows with my school mates. This joy guided me to studying Drama and Creative Writing at De Montfort University Leicester, before returning to Cambridge and working as a LGBTQ+ youth worker. As a performance artist I make work in a style, described by my mum, as ‘standup monologues’. Being a youth worker and working with young people means I always have a library of ice breaker questions, my go to being if you were a biscuit what kind would you be? (Custard cream here, how about you?)

Hi, I’ve been at Metal for ages, since 2007. I am the Interim Director in Liverpool and was around when Edge Hill Station was still just a train station. I have loads of good memories over the years. I have supported some large-scale events including the Liverpool Beach Huts along the Liverpool Waterfront in 2016, commissioning John Cooper Clarke for the Liverpool Biennial in 2012 and curating the Liverpool Art Prize 2010-2014. I love supporting artists and thrive off the creative conversations we have. I’m a cinephile and in my spare time if I’m not watching films I’m making art.

Hi, I’ve been at Metal since October 2019. I moved to Liverpool from Croydon in 2007 for university, and stuck around after graduating doing arts production, music events and journalism. I was already going to events at Edge Hill Station and had been part of Different Trains as artist care for Steve Reich, so I was really pleased to have joined permanently! In my spare time I try to be involved in the music scene in Liverpool as best as I can, making my own music, collaborating with others, putting on a gig now and then, and hosting a radio show on Melodic Distraction. My favourite film is probably Happy As Lazzaro… but I can’t explain why without spoiling it.

Hello! I’m joining Metal from my role as Managing Director at Gasworks and Triangle Network, bringing experience working in the visual arts sector, collaborating with artists, international partners, and community members to develop fundraising initiatives and artistic programmes. I’m currently a Trustee at Queercircle, and until recently co-chair of Deptford X arts festival. Prior to joining Gasworks, I worked at Matt’s Gallery and the Tate Modern where I supported the Tanks live performance and film programme, as well as the development of the new Tate Modern capital project. I feel extremely fortunate to work in the arts and am very passionate about widening access to participation and promoting social action. I am a member of an evaluation research group of educators and policy makers, which supports the development of artists who work within social practice and positive change. I am a big podcast fan and would encourage everyone to listen to ‘Death of an Artist’ and ‘True Currency: About Feminist Economics.

I’m thrilled to have joined the team in time to deliver such exciting projects that are so people and community focused. I’ve had the chance to deliver biennials and festivals (Brighton Photo Biennial, LOOK Photo Biennial), shape art collections (Compton Verney, Deutsche Börse Photography Collection, National Portrait Gallery), commission artists and writers (Foam, Photoworks), and work within communities (Open Eye Gallery, Iniva). I’m really looking forward to bringing together all of my interests in one role and seeing where we end up. In the meantime, ask me what I’m reading or listening to, I’ll always have a podcast or book recommendation for you.

Hello! I joined the Metal team in January 2024. Born and raised in the West Midlands but I have been an honorary Southender for the past 5 years and counting! As an artist and art educator I have worked with galleries, museums, libraries and charities as well as delivered community-based projects, local commissions and workshop programmes across Essex and London. In 2020, I was part of TOMA (The Other MA) which was great to meet like-minded creatives and develop my practice. I have had the pleasure of working with Metal as an artist and now being part of the team presents an exciting opportunity to support other creatives as well as upcoming projects and programmes. I have an avid interest in ancient and natural history mixed with experimental archaeology and in my spare time you will most likely find me pottering in my studio at The Old Waterworks or out and about exploring the wonderful landscapes across Essex.

I first started working at Metal back in 2013 working on a website (Idea1) that promoted arts and culture in Peterborough, as well as being Peterborough’s Administrator. I joined after completing a BA Fine Arts at Central St Martins and MA Photography at London College Communication. I’m born and raised in Peterborough. I’ve hugely enjoyed and am proud to see Metal bring lots of exciting opportunities and a wide variety of arts to the city that I grew up in. There’s too many memories to choose a favourite but Harvest Festival and the meal with Lucy and Jorge Orta in 2015 holds a special place in my heart. Or Stone Henge Heritage, a weird and wonderful sunrise performance with participants dressed as standing stones, a surreal yet unforgettable memory! I love watching anything by Wes Anderson, their films always inspire me to go out and photograph again.

Hi, I joined Metal in July 2022 as the Finance Manager for Southend, Liverpool and Peterborough. I have worked in finance for over 25 years, and have gained AAT qualifications. Working in London for reinsurance companies & broking houses, and locally in Southend for travel agents and engineers, has provided me with an interesting and varied career. I am also a qualified swimming teacher, and have coached synchronised swimming and taught aqua-aerobics too. Although I am new at Metal, living in Leigh-onSea, I have enjoyed some of their projects, attending the Estuary Festival and the earlier Village Green events. My children also participated in the Metal launch Guinness World record of the longest bunting line in 2009. My hobbies include Textile Art, and love to play with fabric and stitching in my spare time. I also take advantage of living by the estuary, sailing and sea swimming when the tide allows.

Hi, I started as a Project Manager in Peterborough in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. Receiving a warm welcome from the team, I have enjoyed being involved with several projects, from Peterborough Pride to the Cultural Strategy. I am from the Netherlands, but I am based in Cambridge after moving there in 2012 when I received a scholarship to study my MA in Arts Management (Anglia Ruskin University). I also studied Fine Arts in Rotterdam (Willem De Kooning Academie) where I developed my socially engaged arts practice, which I continue to work on in the UK, while also learning how to Hula Hoop and watching movies like Baby Teeth (great soundtrack!) or cringy series on Netflix.

I joined Metal back in the turbulence of 2020 after graduating from University of Leeds with an MA in Corporate Communications, Marketing and Public Relations. I was born and raised in Leeds, but my family roots are in Antigua, Dominica and Nevis. I’ve always had a huge passion for the arts, especially visual and performance. When I’m not working on Metal’s socials, I’m running my own as a spoken word artist, writer, and anti-racist advocate. You can usually find me performing my angry poetry about the world to anyone that will listen. Some books I’ve read recently and really enjoyed are ‘These Impossible Things’ by Salma El-Wardany, ‘People Person’ by Candice Carty-Williams and ‘Yellowface’ by Rebecca F. Kuang.

I joined Metal in 2022. My roots are in theatre, festivals and public art and I have presented work with Artichoke, BBC Radio 6 Music, London Jazz Festival, Imperial War Museums – where I was director of public engagement, leading programmes about the human impact of conflict – and many more. Some of my career highlights are taking over Piccadilly Circus with an artwork about nuclear threat and the climate crisis; the UK’s first Syrian death metal performance; and a 6km route of falling dominoes. I’m a trustee of Battersea Arts Centre and Historic England. As a writer, I was shortlisted for the Wasafiri New Writing Prize and I’m working on a collection of short stories. The last things I read were Rendang/Will Harris, there are more things/Yara Rodrigues Fowler and Aftermath/Preti Taneja. I find it impossible to choose favourites (except crisps – salt and vinegar forever!).

Hello! I’ve held senior roles in the cultural sector and local government in Scotland, the North East and East of England. The common denominator throughout my career has been a passion for creating transformational partnerships between the arts, education bodies and local communities. I instigated a partnership to locate the Royal Opera House production workshops in Thurrock as part of a new centre for education and vocational training in creative industries, led the development of the Arts Council’s first national apprenticeship programme to open up progression routes into the cultural sector. It was great to play a part in assisting Metal to set up in Southend and Peterborough and am delighted to be Chair! Having recently retired from my role as Director of Employment, Skills and Culture with the London Borough of Islington, I now thoroughly enjoy having more time to travel, sing, mentor, and support cultural and educational organisations as a trustee.

Hi, I’ve been on the board since it started in 2002. I had a brand design company in Leeds from 1984 ‘til 2018 when I decided to explore other sides of my creativity. I did some filmmaking and then hatched a plan to start writing the novel I’d been waiting so long to embark on (thankyou lockdown). Much as I enjoyed branding, my life experiences since the sale of my business have been much more fulfilling – supporting my wife in her standup/comedy burlesque characterisations, being a grandad and watching my now grown-up children explore their own creative paths. I like to walk everywhere, meet everyone and learn from everything. I’m a child of the seventies, so I’m all about music, film, books and art like a character from a Nick Hornby novel, except without the football knowledge.

Hi, I’ve been delighted to be involved with Metal over the last 8 years as a board member, and last year I got to use Metal’s Chalkwell Hall in Southend-on-Sea for a creative retreat: a lovely time in lovely Southend. I am currently co-Artistic Director of Diverse City, Lead Artist of Extraordinary bodies, and Agent for Change at the New Wolsey Theatre. I’m a Londoner, have recently been working in the Arctic Circle and am keen on traveling both for pleasure and work. My favourite song is Planet Claire by the B52’s for no particular reason, and I’m currently reading Feral by George Monbiot. I have a number of sad pursuits including following Ipswich Town Football Club and some obscure ancient bands.

Hello! I’m a Youth & Community Music Worker and Team Leader based in the Picton / Wavertree wards of Liverpool. I’ve been in this role since 1986, specialising in the use of rhythm and sound as a tool and medium for approaching developmental work with young people and others, particularly to address issues around class identity, personal development and resolution of traumatic life experiences. I work collaboratively as a multi-instrumental musician with young people and others, to try to awaken and develop young people’s own sense of artistry. I strive to challenge and be challenged by young people to unlock inherent artistic potential. I also enjoy bringing together young artists and performers to create and establish networks of support and collaboration. I have also worked as a freelance artist employed by Manchester University to work with young people developing a model of working in which participants work alongside professional musicians learning to play instruments, performing as an ensemble, writing their own music and recording their own tracks. I also worked as a drummer delivering West & North African drumming workshops in Liverpool and the North West.

Hi! I’m the Chief Executive of Nene Park Trust; the charity which owns and manages Nene Park in Peterborough and other valuable local spaces and culture and leisure resources. I’ve worked throughout the UK and have also held senior positions within The Land Trust, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and other ‘land’ based organisations with a focus on my passions – land management, conservation, culture and the arts and health and wellbeing. I am also a Fellow of the Landscape Institute. As well as leading the team and developing a wide portfolio of activity and cultural events and facilities in Peterborough, I hold a number of non-executive positions including Vice Chair of Natural Cambridgeshire, Vice Chair of The Broads Authority National Park, Chair of The Parks Alliance, Chair of British Mountaineering Council’s Access and Conservation Trust and a Trustee of Living Sport. I also chair the Malcolm Bradbury Trust which supports the arts with a particular focus on creating inclusive opportunities for all. I’ve also been instrumental in developing ‘land art’ and sculpture/arts trails in many locations in the UK.

Hello, I’m Dr Megan Gooch, the head of the Centre for Digital Scholarship at the Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, and Director of the Digital Humanities at Oxford Summer School. I started out as a coin specialist, and worked at the British Museum and Historic Royal Palaces in curatorial roles. I then branched out into museum learning, working on schools’ programmes, object handling and digital learning at Historic Royal Palaces. I undertook an AHRC-funded research fellowship on audience and staff understandings and experiences of the First World War commemorations at the Tower of London. Since 2019, I’ve led the Centre for Digital Scholarship and worked on projects around research data management, digitisation at scale, and digital skills. I’m a huge coin nerd, and I’ll always find a coin story in what I’m doing – I haven’t seen a new Charles III coin, but I will be very excited when I do.

Hello! I’m Mia, an actress and theatre maker. I studied Creative Writing & Television at Kingston University and trained as an actress and theatre maker at Fourth Monkey Theatre Company. I’ve worked a diverse range of productions with companies such as Punchdrunk and Goblin Theatre, and I’m an Associate Artist of Punchdrunk Enrichment. Most recently, I’ve worked with the Jamie Lloyd Company, portraying Montague alongside Tom Holland in Romeo & Juliet. I’m passionate about making theatre for people in low socio-economic areas, and I enjoy developing young actors and working with large ensembles. In 2020, I founded Blouse & Skirt! Theatre Company to celebrate stories, songs, performers and puppets from the African-Caribbean diaspora. I’ve since created two productions; The Instrumentals and Rice & Peas, a West Indian Immersive Dining Experience which had its debut run at Metal, Southend. I’m incredibly excited to be joining Metal as a trustee.  

David Hockney, Sir Ian McKellen, Nihal Arthanayake and Paul Morley

Hi! I retired after working for 36 years in local government and health, and started as a social worker in 1984, working with older people, adults, and children in several roles until my last post as the Deputy Chief Executive of Southend Borough Council. From 2007, I led Housing services, Children’s services, Public Health and Culture and Community services in Southend. I received an MBE in 2020 for my leadership working with adults and children with mental health and learning disabilities. I’ve worked closely with Metal for 13 years in a number of initiatives including Village Green and Village Green Next generation and the Estuary festival. I was born in Southend and have a passion to see all of our diverse communities participate and experience high quality culture and to see Metal develop and grow. I am particularly interested in music and literature and I am now able to travel to experience other cultures in all its variety.