I am an artist and sculptor working between the boundaries of traditional furniture making and contemporary art.
As a trained furniture maker originally from Iran, I bring my experience of living with nomads and tribes in the deserts to my current practice, working spontaneously with organic materials to create improvised sculptures and exploring the tensions between our connection and disconnection with nature.
Key achievements:
- Re-introducing manufacture of the Sussex chair
- Featuring on BBC2's Victorian House of Arts and Crafts
- Teaching at West Dean College of Art
- Lecturing at Crawley College
- Featuring in Vogue, Woodworking Magazine and Country Living
My family moved to Horsham in 2013 to set up a pilot 'Eco-pulping' plant, an innovation in environmental research that works to produce paper out of agricultural waste. This was my initiation into the sense of belonging and custodianship that I feel to the nature of this area, and had a profound influence on my practice as an artist and craftsman. I work exclusively with dying wood sourced from the local woodland, tuning into its provenance and aiming to raise awareness of the endangered woodlands of this country. Additionally, I began making traditional Sussex chairs - re-introducing them to a market in which craftsmen had stopped making them for over a hundred years. I continue to run Nafisi Studios, with my wife, Kate from our farm in Horsham.
Find out more at https://www.nafisi.design/
Abigail Conway is live artist. She works with material objects, craft and actions to create playful, site-specific installations and immersive encounters. Her work crosses many disciplines, including sound and video design, music technology, nature, architecture and performance.
Abigail’s work has been presented in galleries, theatres, architecture festivals and showcased by the British Council. It has been presented nationally at arts spaces including the ICA, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Southbank Centre, The Barbican, Battersea Arts Centre, The National Theatre, Forest Fringe, Wellcome Collection, Attenborough Centre for Contemporary Arts, Wales Millennium Centre, Latitude and Summerhall, Edinburgh. Internationally, her work has toured Europe, China, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Canada and the USA.
Abigail’s critically acclaimed work includes; The Candle Project (2021) & An evening with Primrose (2017) for Brighton Festival, Atomic 50 (2019) for Waltham Forest Borough of Culture, Border VR (2019) The Barbican, //RIDE (2015) at Junction Arts Centre Tasmania.
Abigail is part-time Senior Lecturer in Theatre at University of Chichester and Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths University. Abigail’s research focuses on instruction led performance and the politics surrounding participatory arts. Her practice as an artist is centred around a methodology called, The Hobby Project.
She lives in Chichester and is from Bognor Regis.
Find out more at https://www.Abigailconway.com
I started, focused & trained as an illustrator but I side-stepped into photography after being seriously ill & retrained as a photographer. I have worked all over the world but my personal work is often local. I shoot commercially across many disciplines in London, abroad and sometimes in Crawley.
My parents moved here when I was 4 and although I have worked around the world and lived in many different places, gravity or the pull of the location has brought me back many times and I have stayed, family of course had a say too. Desmond Anderson, Thomas Bennett and Crawley, College were all part of my local education. I am based in Three Bridges.
Find out more at https://allanstone.com
Anna Smith is a freelance dancer artist based in Surrey. As well as working independently she creates with Harry Wilson in a creative duo called harrynsmithy.
Harrynsmithy prioritise entertainment whilst producing light hearted and thought provoking work.
Anna was born and raised in Surrey. Her dance training started in Felbridge and from there Anna went of to schools such as The BRIT school and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary dance.
I’m Co-Founder (along with my brother Simon Casson) and Manager of The Posh Club in Crawley! The Posh Club is an anti-loneliness project for anyone over the age of 60! The experience consists of a vintage afternoon tea and Cabaret Club. Before The Posh Club I worked for many years in school catering.
I have lived and worked in Crawley for the past 30 odd years, coming to Crawley from London, when I was expecting my first daughter - I now have 2 daughters along with 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson, all born in Crawley.
Find out more at https://theposhclub.co.uk/clubs/crawley/
Beth Williams is a multi-disciplinary artist who specialises in fashion and Living Textiles. They are a Graduate of both Central Saint Martins BA Fashion Design with Knit and Royal College of Art MA Fashion. Their practice explores the relationship between human and environmental sustainability.
Beth was born, lives and works in Crawely. Even during their time studying fashion in London they preferred to commute from Crawley. Beth is based in Maidenbower where they lives with their two labradors and family.
Find out more at https://beth-williams.co.uk/
Callum Andrew Johnston is a film writer & director from Crawley who wrote and produced the original RH11 film which was the first feature length movie shot in Crawley. His next TV drama series ROMEO. HOTEL. ELEVEN is based off the original concept and is set to be released late 2023.
Callum was born and raised in Crawley growing up in Bewbush and attending Ifield Community College. He's now the founder & Head of Developments at Crawley Film Initiative, a local cultural film hub that helps develop and train young people.
Find out more at https://www.crawleyfilm.org
I'm a dancer, choreographer and dance teacher with a particular interest in site-specific dance work. Recently I've been exploring screen-dance (dance for film) and dance-theatre. In addition to my dance practice, I am a creative writer published by Oranges Journal and Briefly Zine.
Having grown up attending Holy Trinity school, I still live and work locally. As part of this, I facilitate Footloose Dance Group, an inclusive Crawley-based dance group for young adults with disabilities.
I began working at The Hawth Theatre as an Assistant Director for internationally acclaimed Director Sarah Slator in 2021. Since then, I have directed my own work in Crawley. I also work as the Creative Development Associate at the Hawth and have worked freelance for Creative Crawley on different projects since 2022.
I have lived in Surrey since 2020 and consider Crawley to be the centre of most of my work.
As a freelance, multi disciplinary applied theatre practitioner I draw on my experience as an actor and artist to connect and work with local and international communities across towns and rural areas. My practice is inclusive and involves love for sport fitness through performance in safe spaces.
I love Crawley and have fond memories of growing up in my community and my passion for the arts started right here in my home town over 25+ years ago. Over the years I have worked locally and internationally as an actor in TV/ Film discovering and training in multiple art forms including; Dance, Song-writing, directing and producing.
Clare Packham is a director and writer. She is a co-founder of PINCHY theatre, a non-hierarchical artist collective who create live art across the country. She is one half of Packham & Kealy, who write genre-flouting new musical theatre.
I was born in Haywards Heath, and raised in Horsham. Much of my childhood was spent around/in County Mall.
Find out more at https://www.pinchytheatre.com
I recently graduated with a BA (Hons) in Acting from the University of Winchester. During my training, I built a strong foundation in stage, screen, and voice performance, working with a mix of classical and contemporary texts that really helped me grow as a performer.
I am especially drawn to character-driven stories and collaborative projects where there’s room to explore, play, and connect creatively. I try to bring curiosity and openness to everything I do, both in rehearsal and performance.
Now that I’ve stepped into the professional world, I am excited to keep developing my craft, meet other creatives, and get involved in new projects. I am also really looking forward to seeing how space for creativity continues to grow and develop here in Crawley. It is exciting to be part of a community that’s full of talent and potential.
My Spotlight Pin - https://app.spotlight.com/5314-6722-3177
Instagram - conniegilder
I have lived and grown up in Crawley.
Sinoist Books is a UK-based, family owned, independent press that publishes only the best in translated Chinese literature and contemporary fiction. Our mission is to act as a bridge between the Chinese and English-speaking worlds, so that the best Sinophone authors and their works can transcend the language barrier.
Both our office and residence is based in Horsham.
Find out more at https://sinoistbooks.com/
I am a writer and recently self-published author. I enjoy writing short fiction as well as long-form works. My favourite genres are Horror, Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
I was born and raised in Crawley and attended ICC. I have lived in multiple neighbourhoods in Crawley and most of my family still live here.
Find out more at https://danielwhiteauthor.com
I am a Theatre costume Designer/ Interpreter based in Kingston/ Wimbledon. I am currently studying BA (Hons) Costume for theatre and screen at UAL Wimbledon College of Arts. I work mainly with theatre costuming but also work with Drag Artists and Musicians
I was born and raised in the neibouring town of Horsham West Sussex and am frequently working with both The Hawth, The Hawth Ampitheatre and The Capitol Theatres on Theatre performances. I have worked with these theatres for 5 years frequently with both professional productions and The Hawth Youth Theatre
Bringing queer, non-binary and autistic perspectives, insights and joy to theatre, through intimacy directing, coordinating and education, playwriting and directing. With 15+ years of experience, and a specific interest in amateur, semi-professional and regional theatre.
I went to Holy Trinity School as a teenager, and then moved to Ifield in my early 20s. Some of my family are still Crawley based, as are many of my friends. When I say I'm "going to town", I always mean Crawley.
Find out more at https://www.elodieforay.co.uk
Éloïse is an artivist (artist & activist) born and raised in France. She is the author of Body Compost & other ghost poems, Pink Goo, co-host of Poetry To Your Ears and director of Collections Of Queer Poets. She creates from an ecofeminist, neurodivergent, queer and multicultural perspective.
Éloïse has lived in Crawley since 2019. She has worked in a local school in Langley Green and now runs creative workshops. She otherwise spends her time in the greenhouse gardening and feeding the Crawley crows.
Find out more at https://www.eloise.armary.com
Enkay Rockson is a singer, songwriter & creative who is currently based in Horley. She would describe her music as alternative R&B, however, she also categorises her music as ‘versatile’ as she draws inspiration from a wide range of sounds. She does live performances in and around London and writes and records most of her songs from her home in Surrey.
Enkay Rockson has always had a connection to Surrey as she and her family have lived in and worked in Surrey since she was in secondary school.
Enkay Rockson grew more of a connection to Crawley when she and her family moved within Surrey from Ashtead to Horley. She worked in Crawley briefly and really enjoyed it, particularly seeing the diverse communities and cultures within Crawley.
Enkay Rockson is looking forward to seeing creativity being prioritised within West Sussex and Surrey and is excited to share her knowledge as the roles within creativity grow and evolve within the modern world.
Ensemble Reza is a professional string sextet, plus occasionally a few extra instruments (performed by members of the group) including accordion, bouzouki, guitar, ukulele, banjo, double bass & piano. We enjoy introducing new sound worlds to our audiences, through a varied programme of music.
Ensemble Reza are Associate Artists at the Hawth Theatre and have a regular concert series at the Studio. We run free monthly lunchtime concerts in Broadfield, as well as community projects & a large programme of workshops in schools. From January-July 2023 we have reached over 25 schools and 3500 students in Crawley.
Find out more at https://www.ensemblereza.com/
We are Half-Time Orange, a brand-new theatre company dedicated to producing innovative and exciting work bringing local communities and their histories to the stage.
As Associate Artists of the Hawth Theatre we continue to work with Crawley Borough Council and local cultural organisations to lift Crawley's heritage from page to stage with site-specific performances that engage communities with local history and the creative arts.
Find out more at https://www.halftimeorangetheatre.com/
Eve Ainsworth is a working class multi award-winning and Carnegie nominated children’s author who has written for both middle grade and teen readers. Her debut novel for adults was published by Penguin Random House in 2022.
She runs writing workshops for adults and children and also mentors.
Eve was born and raised in Crawley, West Sussex and is one of seven children. Eve is fiercely proud of her working class roots and her large, loud family. She still lives in Crawley with her husband, two young children and crazy pets. She has worked for local schools and more recently a local charity, supporting young people and vulnerable adults
Find out more at https://eveainsworth.com/
Farook Qais, pronounced “case,” is a British-born Muslim of South Asian heritage. He writes film and TV. Farook’s won Screenwriting competitions in the US and the UK. He writes to make the audience feel. His stories are driven by his life experiences and explosive emotive drama.
I was born at Crawley Hospital. Spent most of my life in Broadfield, which used to be known as Broadfield East. I was then educated at Thomas Bennett Community College, designing the logo for the new builds before the old ones were knocked down. I remain/reside in Crawley and am open to collaboration.
Find out more at https://linktr.ee/farook112
An experienced lifestyle, still life, and product Photographer/Videographer. Creating engaging and captivating visuals of brands, spaces, and people. My hands-on, innovative style enables me to bring ideas to life and I know what the right colour, lighting, and prop combination looks like.
I have lived in Crawley for around 19 years now with my Wife Natasha.
Find out more at https://gs-jackson.com/
Gemma is the founder and lead agent at GLS Talent Management.
She represents professional actors, dancers and singers from age 4 upwards.
Within this role Gemma also mentors her clients in all areas of the performing arts and entertainment industry.
Gemma was born and raised in Crawley. Gemma grew up in Southgate and attended Thomas Bennett Community College.
After a career in the Performing Arts and Fitness Industry, Gemma founded GLS Talent Management in January 2022.
She is still based in Crawley with her husband and 2 children.
Go For It Tribe are an independent Hip-Hop collective, founded by Kayncee in 2014, working to inspire the world to Go For It.
In 2024 they released their debut album, 'Go For It First Issue: Ikigai' on streaming platforms + limited edition vinyl, appearing in the BBC Introducing Live Lounge Oct 31
Our recording studio: @goforitstudio is located in the town center, which is where we create & record most of our music.
Several artists involved with the Tribe are from/ grew up in/ live in Crawley, including: @kaynceemusic @stitchmusicgfi @kyreecegfi @444.yesha @ottsamosasingh @keithr.b.k @mc_e_mix @karaa_leighh @amy_true1
Grace Saif is an Actor, currently based in London. She works in TV, Theatre and Voice Acting. She has appeared at the Donmar Warehouse in David Harrower's Miss Jean Brodie and Jermyn Street Theatre's The Sonnet Project, which also featured Olivia Colman to Helena Bonham Carter (2020). In 2019 she appeared in two series of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.
Moving to Crawley aged 10 and whilst attending Hazelwick School in Crawley she was introduced to physical theatre through the school's drama department. From there she focused on her development in Acting and Theatre. With the support from her teachers and the West Sussex-based Alan Strong Award Grant, she was able to attend RADA where her formal actor training began.
Grace was also a member of ViYC Crawley, a youth based committee working with Crawley Council to create events and programmes for young people in the Arts. She hopes to see future generations of talent nurtured and flourishing in Crawley.
I am a Dancer, Performer, and creative disability consultant, focusing on inclusive practice and changing attitudes towards disabled people. Through Ballet, physical theatre, BSL and training, I challenge assumptions of disability, including the on-stage use of equipment that is seen as ‘medical’.
I grew up nearby (Cuckfield) and attended school in Crawley, meaning I’ve attended many activities in Crawley and spend a large amount of time in the town. I want to give back to the community and help make it more diverse and inclusive.
Find out more at https://www.butterflyhope.org.uk
Writer, lecturer and retreat creator.
I live in Crawley.
Find out more at https://heidijames.me
I work as a 2nd Assistant Director in TV and Film.
I started my career as an in house runner at a production company in London, then after a year went onto one of their productions as a Floor Runner (Trainee position). From that point on I was out in the big bad world of freelance Film & TV and steadily worked from job to job. I've been working as a 2nd Assistant Director for about 14 years and have worked on a range of productions from Soaps to High-end TV Dramas & £100 million+ Films.
My job entails many responsibilities which include looking after the cast and their schedules, managing my department, organising fittings/rehearsals/tests, liaising with other departments in logistically planning each filming day, and compiling the daily "Callsheet" which contains the timings & necessary information required for each shooting day, for example, crew call time, scene numbers, cast, extras, story days, equipment & departmental requirements etc.
I have worked on productions for BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Netflix, Disney, Sony, Warner Bros, and my career has taken me all over the UK. I've lived and worked in London, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast. My work has also taken me overseas to Majorca, Gran Canaria, Spain (Mainland), Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Germany & Bulgaria.
My credits include:
Feature Films - Sunshine on Leith, High Rise, Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool, The Children Act, Hellboy: Rise of the Blood Queen, Our Ladies, See How they Run
Television - Shetland, Victoria, The ABC Murders, Dracula, A Discovery of Witches, Pennyworth.
I recently finished working on a huge exciting new drama for Netflix & am hoping for a feature film next.
I was born and raised in Bewbush, Crawley and after living a somewhat nomadic lifestyle for many years, have recently moved back to Crawley & now live in Three Bridges.
I attended Gossops Green Primary & Middle School, then onto Ifield Community College. After school I went to University in London & completed a BA Hons in Drama, Film & Television
Find out more at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1467488/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1
I am an artist and art tutor based in East Grinstead. I trained in portraiture but now work across broader subjects. I teach at The Art Academy in London and run workshops locally. I previously worked in publishing and still work as a writer and editor on a freelance basis.
I live in East Grinstead.
Find out more at https://helenstoneart.com
Circus Theatre Company. Taking stories into the air, into theatres and into the outdoors.
Led by Edd & Bryony Livesey-Casey, Hikapee create narrative driven work that tell stories of the world we live in for the small and tall.
Edd was born in Crawley Hospital, and grew up in Horsham.
With family still there, Edd & Bryony often visit the area, and are based just up the road in Epsom.
Find out more at https://www.hikapeetheatre.com
I am a theatre practitioner and teacher based in Crawley / West Sussex. I am artistic director of Platform Performance Group, we specialise in giving people of all ages the skills and techniques needed to find their own voice in devised theatre.
I moved to West Sussex 5 years ago when I met my partner and live in the area. As well as working in theatre, I teach part-time at Northgate Primary in Crawley and love it!
Find out more at https://www.platformperformancegroup.com
Isaac Finch is a professional Actor based in the South of England who has played on stage internationally and nationally in various theatrical productions.
In 2022 , Finch had the opportunity to work alongside other creative professionals at the Hawth in Crawley on their production of 'Wind in the Willows' and has since played in another of their in house productions in 2023, 'Kensuke's Kingdom', directed again by Chloe Bond.
It is also here that Isaac first began working for various companies as an Actor in hostile environment training roleplays, an intense but rewarding side to the profession.
Crawley is an ever growing hub of creativity which is truly a joy to be a part of.
Founder of Crawley Film Initiative CIC.
Jacob is a cinematographer who has worked in the film industry as a freelancer for 6 years. To date, he has produced over 60 music videos, camera operated on a feature length documentary ‘The Balance’ and recently was the Director of Photography on a new TV series called 'ROMEO. HOTEL. ELEVEN'.
Jacob’s work has recently been shown at Cineworld and The Hawth Theatre in Crawley along with his feature length documentary that over the past year has been toured around cinemas across the globe.
Jacob has always had an affinity with Crawley as even though he didn’t grow up here, it became a vital place for creative opportunities in his career. He began his film journey by making music videos where he first came across a local music scene in Crawley full of fantastic artists that he was able to collaborate with helping him build a portfolio of work. In 2020, he then founded a production company called the Crawley Film Initiative (CFI) based in the town centre that aims to give local young filmmakers the opportunities to learn film through hands on experience on set.
Find out more at https://www.crawleyfilm.org/
I am the writer, producer, director, sometimes actor (as well as camera and audio), editor and music composer of multiple short films (most of which I have made). I have also made multiple audio plays and written a few novels.
I was born and have lived in Crawley my whole life and did most of my education here.
Find out more at https://jamesleggott79519.create.net/services
Jessica Nicholas founder of Art Styles Academy, is an inspiring artist and sculptor dedicated to bring people together through the transformative power of art. Based in the South East, Jessica specialises in running dynamic workshops that foster creativity, self-expression and community.
Jessica grew up in East Grinstead and now lives in Felbridge with her family.
Find out more at https://www.artstylesacademy.co.uk
Hi! My name is Jingyao Kou. I am a Chinese illustrator based in the UK now.
My favourite source of inspiration is the little things in my daily life. For me "reality is the best". Right now I'm doing a day-to-day comic on Instagram.
I'm mainly based in Surrey. I draw many comics and zines based on my daily life here.
Find out more at https://www.koujingyao.com/
I’m a visual artist, mostly a maker. I love working with all kinds of materials. My BA was in Fine Art and Ceramics. Much of my work has been in Education and teaching, exploring, and collaboration. Igniting the senses and imagination. Really waking up the soul and illumination! For me, art is magic. Lives improve because of it.
I was born in Crawley in 1970. Crawley is the place that I really developed my passion for the arts. Through painting, drawing and ceramics. Then down at Worthing and Goring by sea at Northbrook College. I’ve traveled the world. I now have a new perspective. For the first time, the potential here really excited me! There really are no limits…
Interior & exterior walls, workshops, lessons, parties, or design…
for private commissions, schools, communities or corporate:
let me take care of that for you!
I have conducted multiple art projects in Crawley schools and youth venues over the last decade (Hawth Theatre, Gatwick, Langley Green, Ifield, Maidenbower, Bewbush) and plan to continue networking in the area.
Find out more at https://www.jayspaintshop.co.uk/
Karl is an award winning architect and Royal Academician at the Royal West Academy of Art. His studio’s goals place sustainable outcomes and the simple desire to make a better built environment at the heart of everything he designs. Architecture awards (always in collaboration and shared with others) include the BCI Major Building of the Year Award, RICS Innovation Award, Architecture Today Schueco Retrofit Award and most recently the World Architecture Festival (WAF) Re-use award.
His artwork focuses on emotions, memory, witnessing, and his Zoroastrian heritage. His art work is held in collections world-wide, including the RWA.
Karl was born and raised in Broadfield, Crawley. He first attended school at Broadfield North, followed by St Francis of Assisi, Notre Dame middle school, and then St Wilfrid’s secondary school.
Find out more at https://www.singporewala.co.uk/
Katie Mayfield she/her (Choreographer/Movement Director) -BA(Hons) Musical Theatre, The Brighton Academy. A Musical Theatre and Jazz specialist, with experience working across all sectors of the entertainment industry, creating bespoke performance pieces for film, stage and corporate
events.
I have Lived and worked locally for the past Five years having trained locally at the Brighton Academy.
@kaynceemusic is an independent Hip-Hop musician born and raised in Crawley. Founder of collective Go For It Tribe and affiliated with the legendary UK Hip-Hop group 'The Peoples Army', Kayncee also spends his time delivering music workshops with AudioActive and running a recording studio in town.
I was born here in 1999 and lived here all my life, aside from a year that I was living in Guildford for university.
Find out more at https://officialkayncee.wixsite.com/kayncee
I own and run my media production business. That means as part of my business I offer photography and videography services. But also provide media workshops for people who want to learn media on a 1 to 1 basis.
We also offer video editing, content creation, graphic design services. I am also a You Tuber.
My business and I work in Crawley, Sussex and Surrey.
Find out more at https://kieramedia.co.uk
I am a creative specialising in Directing, Movement, and Choreography with a focus on intimacy support. My work combines physical storytelling and a nuanced approach to relationships, creating visually compelling performances that highlight complexity within human connection.
Born and raised in Crawley before moving away for theatre training. Work keeps me moving across the country with connections to West Sussex and London
Find out more at https://www.kimwright.co.uk/
I am a stand up comedian who seeks to change the landscape of British comedy but making more room for black female comics. My work covers class, ethnicity and my extreme hatred of birds. Some of my proudest achievements include performing at a professional comedy night at the Moth Club with Emma Sidi and Jack Rooke for KNOCK2BAG, starring in a hilarious sketch with Luke Rollason and Mark Silcox, being on the same bill with Isy Sutie (and having her tell me she liked my set!) and getting through to the Semi - Finals for a competition called “Sketch Off”.
When you’re a comedian, you get to share your work all over, mine has featured at the Brighton Fringe, Camden Fringe, the Museum of Comedy, 2Northdown, Moth Club and so many more incredible venues.
I was born in Crawley and went to Northgate Primary School, then onto Hazelwick School (funnily enough at the same time as Romesh Ranganathan was teaching) before leaving Crawley to go to Chichester University. I know Crawley like the back of my hand and despite now living and working in London, it was always be the place that kickstarted my creative journey.
Lauren is an illustrator and designer based in Sussex. She loves to travel and create intricate artworks of places she has visited. She has also illustrated for a range of clients including Hamleys, Lego and Visit Brighton. She is open to commissions.
Lauren was born and raised in Crawley. She has been away a few times but always comes back! She currently lives here with her family.
Find out more at https://www.laurennicklessart.co.uk/
I am a visual artist specialising in textiles and found objects. As a professional womble, I am passionate about using foraged things in my work, including plants, and materials from urban and maritime waste streams. Once gathered, I turn them into pigments, dyes, inks, sculptures & photographs.
I work in Crawley as a Project Officer for schools with a focus on healthy and sustainable transport on every day journeys. In other words, I help children and families learn skills like bike riding, route planning for walks & bike maintenance skills.
Find out more at https://www.lilawordsworth.com
Liz Atkin is an artist and educator. She reimagines her Compulsive Skin Picking and anxiety into drawings, photographs and performances. Liz is a mental health advocate and raises awareness for the disorder around the world. Her work is held by Wellcome Collection London.
Born and grew up in Crawley.
Find out more at Https://www.lizatkin.com
Independent Producer
I connect people, spaces and places through creativity and learning. I am currently Creative Director of Creative Crawley and Co-Director of LOOKOUT Brighton
I was born and raised in Crawley. I attended Ifield Community College. Later I worked in the bar at The Hawth. Some of my family still live in Crawley.
I now work in Crawley again after many years working around the UK and the world.
Image credit: Hugo Glendinning
Find out more at http://www.louiseb.co.uk
I am an actor & combatant from Crawley. I have worked in TV/Film in projects such as The Red Letter Days Advert and short films such as Rule Three which I wrote & produced myself. I have worked in theatre at The Space in London & the Hawth - where I was able to use my combat skills in their shows.
I was born & raised in Crawley area, currently live in a village just outside it. Started acting through the Crawley group with Chichester Festival Youth Theatre! Since then went off to train professionally and now have performed professionally at The Hawth Theatre in their in-house outdoor productions of Robin Hood & Wind in the Willows.
Find out more at https://www.spotlight.com/0537-8977-4736
Co-Director, Sound UK
I love bringing artists and people together to have extraordinary musical encounters. This is delivered across the UK through partnerships, research and development, new commissions, live and digital events alongside participation.
Find out more at www.sounduk.net
I live in and have an office in Lindfield.
Find out more at https://www.sounduk.net
Mark is a film editor with 14 years of industry experience. He has worked with big companies and brands, creating viral content and advertising for the likes of The Sidemen & KSI, YouTube, Google, Ford, and provided content for some of the UK’s biggest music events like Capital’s Summertime Ball and X-Factor Tour. Documentary feature credits include One Night in Al-Aqsa and Medina: The Enlightened City.
His recent documentary film work has been released and viewed in cinemas worldwide in the UK, South Africa, Canada, the USA and across Europe.
Mark was born in Crawley but moved up north with family before eventually returning to study Media Production at Crawley College. He’s always seen the town as a second home due to the friendships he’s formed here, and felt it was the right fit for him when co-founding the CFI to help mentor young film makers.
Find out more at https://www.crawleyfilm.org
I run a one-woman sustainable upcycling brand that transforms preloved fabrics into cosy, one-of-a-kind clothing like hats, hoodies, and more. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted, giving discarded materials a second life while reducing waste and promoting slow fashion.
I was born and raised in Crawley, and have lived and grown up here, seeing how it has changed and grown as I have too!
Find out more at https://www.sewnnotthrown.co.uk
I'm a freelance Children's Book Illustrator based in Farnham, Surrey. I use gouache, pencils and digital tools to create my work and I would describe my artwork style as warm and playful. My previous clients include the National Trust, Anorak Magazine, and Farnham Maltings.
I've previously applied to two opportunities in Crawley. I really admire the work that's being done there and especially as the community in Crawley will benefit greatly from these creative activities. I would love to do a project there in the future.
Find out more at https://namiralph.com/
I am one of the co founders of Worth Academy of Performing Arts which provides young people and adults the chance to perform within the community. I have been a drama teacher for 20 years and have directed many different shows. Theatre is my life!
I have worked at two Crawley schools: Thomas Bennett and Worth School. I also live in Crawley.
Find out more at http://www.worthapa.co.uk
I'm a theatre director & photographer with over 4 years of experience; originally training as an actor at LSDA. In 2023, I completed my Masters in Theatre Directing at Mountview. I work in new writing, amplifying unheard voices, and prioritise accessibility in my collaborative & creative approach.
I was born and raised in Sutton, Surrey and now live in Redhill. After working and studying in London for many years, I want to get involved with the local community and artists in Surrey.
Find out more at https://linktr.ee/natalyamicic
I am a versatile person with a flair for innovation. In my career, I have had a wide range of artistic roles in TV and commercial including set design, prop stylist, and interior design. Through experience in these fields, I have developed my skills and added to my enjoyment of the creative sector.
I was born in London and my parents moved down in the 1980's with many other south London families to make Crawley their new home.
My environment has helped me with my creative ideas and process.
One World Orchestra is a new, ground-breaking music ensemble, drawing on the expertise and musical traditions of diverse musicians from across the planet, living and working in the UK. We run workshops, train artists in inclusive practice and perform concerts to bring people together through music.
We were founded in Crawley in 2023 and have an ongoing commitment to serve the local community with performance, workshops and training. Our home from home is Broadfield Community Centre where we plan to develop a regular programme of activities. We are super grateful to the community of Crawley for the welcome we have received and owe our existence to the opportunities available in this town.
Find out more at https://oneworldorchestra.uk
I’m a poet, rapper, storyteller and theatre maker. I have a book of poems and stories published called The Suburban (2018) I co-wrote two critically acclaimed Hip Hop theatre shows, No Milk For The Foxes (2015) and High Rise eState of Mind (2019), published by Methuen Drama (2022). I’ve written two solo theatre shows, A Tale From The Bedsit (2013) which is published in the British Library and The C/D Borderline (2016) which ran at the Edinburgh Fringe. I have performed regularly around the UK at a number of different events and festivals and had my work featured on BBC 1Xtra, BBC London and London Live.
I grew up in Horley but did all my schooling in Crawley, primary (St Francis), middle (Notre Dame) and secondary (St Wilfrid’s) as well as attending Crawley College and working and socialising regularly in the town, up until I moved away in my early 20’s.
Photo credit: Tom Medwell
I am a Visual Artist, taking inspiration from my surroundings, experiences, and the natural world. A significant part of my work is community and group focussed and is undertaken through workshops and collaborative projects, building connection, creativity, and well-being.
I have lived in West Sussex for the majority of my life and have created many successful connections through work with fellow creatives, organisations, and businesses. In 2009 - 2011, I ran a Gallery in Crawley's County Mall with my partner, which has led to strong, continued partnerships and collaborative work.
Raminder Kaur is a scriptwriter and artistic director of Sohaya Visions. Her work has been produced for the stage and filmed drama. She has also made films on adventure comics and nuclear India. She is a researcher based in the School of Global Studies at the University of Sussex.
Sohaya Visions was founded and based in Crawley. We have performed in Crawley Hawth and Crawley Museum as well as curated an exhibition there on partition memories. We have organised workshops with several communities based in Crawley for our projects including school and college students, British Asians, and those living with cancer, among other interest groups. We regularly partner with Crawley-based organisations such as Wordfest and Crawley Borough Council.
Find out more at https://www.sohayavisions.com/our-story
I spent 4 years working as an editor in the TV industry, and now I’ve been a Media Studies teacher for 15 years, as well as a You Tuber for about 5 years making Media Studies revision videos.
I’ve lived in Crawley for nearly 10 years.
Find out more at https://youtube.com/@mrsfisher8961?si=IKVspuDFjCLrgykg
Hello. I am a director, dramaturg and practitioner. I collaborate with writers, communities, poets, young people and designers to try to understand our fractured world. I am Artistic Director at Theatre Centre, a national new writing theatre-making work with and for young people.
I live in West Sussex and am excited to create more work locally.
Find out more at http://www.theatre-centre.co.uk
Illustration and painting done at speed.
In the online art community other creatives have dubbed me as 'The Printer', as I tend to create full completed portraits, landscapes, and wildlife illustrations in sizes up to A3 in between 40 minuets and two hours. I've developed a unique playful style.
I've lived in the Crawley area (Broadfield) since 2006.
Worked in retail until 2019 when I shifted to public service, with time in Crawley Borough Council and homeless charity Crawley Open House.
Multi award-winning comedian Romesh Ranganathan is best known for fronting such series’ as The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, The Ranganation, Rob & Romesh Vs, A League Of Their Own, Asian Provocateur, and as the new presenter of BBC One’s Weakest Link. Host of his own BBC Sounds and Radio 2 show For The Love Of Hip Hop, Romesh also co-hosts hit podcast Wolf & Owl with comedy mate Tom Davis.
Romesh’s last tour The Cynic’s Mixtape sold out across the UK including fourteen nights at London’s Eventim Apollo, culminating in a taping at his hometown venue The Hawth in Crawley, which was released as a special on Netflix in 2022 and is available to stream here now.
Romesh embarked on his career in America in 2018 with the launch of Just Another Immigrant on Showtime, and he has also appeared twice on James Corden's Late Late Show as well as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In 2023 he returned stateside with a sold-out show at the iconic New York Town Hall.
Romesh made his return to acting, writing and starring in two new sitcoms produced with his own production company, Ranga Bee. Avoidance for BBC One hit our screens in summer 2022 and Romantic Getaway for Sky Max launched in January 2023.
A Sunday Times Bestseller with his autobiography Straight Outta Crawley: The Memoirs Of A Distinctly Average Human Being, Romesh had his second book As Good as It Gets: Life Lessons from a Reluctant Adult published worldwide in October 2020.
Find out more at https://www.romeshranganathan.co.uk/
I am a multidisciplinary artist and poet, specialising in spoken word and place-responsive performance. My work delves into the intricate relationship between place and identity, exploring how narratives of place shape our sense of self and community.
I am currently developing a co-creative theatre and poetry project which explores how our sense of belonging is shaped by the landscape we experience. This project will take place across Surrey and West Sussex, including Crawley and its wider locale. The themes will be explored through a wide range of different activities including workshops, focus groups, events and performance sharings.
Find out more at https://rosiemayjones.com/
Saaj Raja is a professional actor, writer and dancer with international experience. He is a Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist, has performed for Her Majesty The Queen and onstage in the West End.
He grew up and lives in Crawley and went to Hazelwick School.
Find out more at https://www.saajraja.com/
He has worked with Creative Crawley from the start and continues to enable the company to make extraordinary arts events happen in the town.
Sarah Maple is an award winning visual artist known for her bold, brave, mischievous and occasionally controversial artworks that challenge notions of identity, religion and the status quo. Her artwork, film and performances have been exhibited internationally at galleries and institutions including Tate Britain, Golden Thread Gallery and York Art Gallery.
I grew up in Crawley and have lived in the town most of my life!
Sarah Pimenta is an experienced artist, lecturer in creativity, and workshop facilitator with children and adults. Her specialist art form is print-making and her work communicates texture, colour and emotion into a variety of educational, health and community environments, in the UK and abroad. Sarah integrates nature into her work, both inside classrooms and outside. Sarah is illustrator of the ‘Therapeutic Fairy Tales’ published by Routledge, and co-creator of the Storybook Manual. She is currently working on illustrating a second volume of ‘Therapeutic Fairy Tales’ and co-creating a new manual on how creativity, nature and folklore can support wellbeing in children and families.
I live in East Grinstead, West Sussex and went to school in Crawley from the ages of 9 – 18yrs. I work nationally and have worked internationally. My first big collaborative art project was for Crawley Borough Council in 2000 working with Carolyn Murphy – it kickstarted my whole career. I have continued to work locally when possible since then.
Find out more at http://www.social-fabric.co.uk
I am an Artist, Writer and Musician specialising in Art, cultural theory, poetry and justice reform. After gaining a Masters degree in Fine Art from the University for the Creative Arts in 2003 I lived and worked in Istanbul for ten years, and have since published a number of books and albums.
I have lived on the West Sussex coast since 2014, with many family contacts in the county and Crawley. I've also been a big Cure fan since age 14 - in my opinion Crawley's greatest creative product!
Find out more at https://seanbwparker.collexart.com/Artist.asp?ArtistID=51458&Akey=H2Z6Y64C&ajx=1
Sheri Gee is a painter of figurative and Ashdown-inspired work, based in East Grinstead. Her work uses bold colour and loose brushwork to explore the world around her. Portrait commissions undertaken. Exhibited with The Other Art Fair, The Sussex Contemporary, and the Society of Women Artists, etc.
I have grown up in East Grinstead, where I continue to live and work on my art practice. Crawley is the largest town near me in the county, which I visit frequently. My husband works in Crawley.
Find out more at https://www.sherigee.com/
I am photographer, filmmaker and artist. I Studied fine art in Birmingham and then went into TV production working in motorsports for 7 yrs, I have been freelance since 2007. I have worked as an editor, camera person. I am currently exploring more of my own work as a photographer.
I moved to Crawley in 1999 when I got my first production job with Formula 1. We have lived here ever since. I am part of the WORDfest Crawley committee which I have been part of since the very beginning in 2011.
Find out more at http://www.simonedwards.studio
Writer, poet, spoken word artist, mindfulness teacher and cat butler.
Born in Eastbourne, raised in and lived all over West Sussex/Surrey.
Slow Time Mondays are a 4 piece indie-rock band.
They now headline their own shows across the South and are being booked for major festivals, including last year’s Isle of Wight Festival. Their debut album is set for release this summer.
They were born, raised, and began their music journey by playing venues and pubs around Crawley.
Find out more at http://www.linktree.com/slowtimemondays
Tom is a multi-award winning architect with a specialism in housing and community engagement. He is a Partner at Metropolitan Workshop LLP, a practice of 40 staff with offices in London and Dublin.
His projects have won RIBA regional, national awards (Mapleton Crescent 2018), and Housing Design Awards (All Saints Rectory 2018, Oakfield Village 2021, Farmstead Road 2023).
Tom is also a keen part-time dance music composer. Writing predominantly soulful drum and bass under the name of AudioSketch, he has released on vinyl and CD, and his work is available through all the usual digital outlets. His tracks have been played on BBC Radio 1, and his work has been remixed by international drum and bass artists such as HLZ, Random Movement and Physics.
Tom is Crawley born and bred. He grew up in Gossops Green and attended Ifield Community College from 1986-1992. His positive experience of growing up in Crawley has influenced his career path in architecture. He is a keen advocate of the original Newtown principles.
Find out more at http://www.Metwork.co.uk
Professional Studio Photographer
Prolific Street photographer , inc landscapes and wildlife.
Born In Crawley, resident of West Green.
Find out more at https://wallysworld.co.uk/
I write and perform my poetry at shows all over the world. I have performed at Wembley Arena, been on Bafta winning programme "Life And Rhymes" Have a poem on the tour of the Tower of London. I try to change people's perspective on Poetry at every given chance. In the last year my work has been on BBC radio London. It has been on display in collaboration with Beefeater gin at their pop up stall. Also at Harry Style's store "Pleasing"
I grew up not far from Crawley in Woodhatch, I have coached football for Crawley Town Football Club and had a poem commissioned and recorded by the Manor Royal BID.
I'm a singer-songwriter/guitarist. I have an acting background & run a digital marketing agency specialising in working with artists & venues. Currently I'm running Guitar Hub workshops on Saturday mornings at Crawley Museum.
I moved to Crawley 5 years ago after returning from ESOL teaching abroad in Barcelona & Istanbul. It was last Summer at The Brewery Shades Weekend Sessions that I first noticed Crawley indeed had a wealth of talented musicians. I won an award at The Swan, Open Mic for best collaborator as well as organising a collective to perform at HMV Crawley.
Find out more at https://www.redeyezack.com/
