Adam is CEO for AudioActive, a company that provides better futures through music. Find out more here.
“I’ve spent most of my life in this area, so being part of Creative Crawley feels personal — I’ve seen how creativity can make a real difference in bringing people together and creating opportunities in ways that actually matter.”
Lorraine is Managing Director at Battersea Arts Center.
“I’m Sophie – I live in Crawley and work at the National Theatre in London. I’m passionate about creativity bringing our local streets, buildings, parks, and shopping centres to life, and seeing our area transform into a destination for culture.”
Sophie is Deputy Head of Planning, National Theatre
“I bring to Creative Crawley the perspective of an arts educator working at the intersection of creativity, inclusion and advocacy. My role in an SEN setting informs my commitment to accessible arts provision, strategic thinking around participation, and ensuring creative opportunities are shaped by the needs of the communities they serve.”
Vanessa is Head of Art at Manor Green College, Crawley.
“I completed my degree at the University of Brighton and have a strong passion for community development. My interests focus on creating inclusive opportunities that support participation, wellbeing, and connection within local communities. As a Trustee for Creative Crawley, I bring a commitment to strengthening community engagement and widening opportunities through creative and cultural initiatives, helping ensure people of all ages, from young people to older residents, can access meaningful opportunities within the community.”
Billy is Worker in Charge (Bewbush and Broadfield) at CCYS- Crawley.
“I am thrilled to be appointed a Trustee for Creative Crawley and excited to bring my enthusiasm, commitment and integrity to the board, with a particular focus on equity for all. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to positive change for Creative Crawley, always considering the best interests of the organisation and the people it serves.”
Charis is People Manager for Brighton University Student Union.
“I’m excited to join Creative Crawley as a Trustee and to champion a vision of creativity that truly belongs to everyone. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers – digital, social and cultural – so that more people feel confident stepping into creative spaces and sharing their voices. Partnerships drive my work, I take pride in bringing councils, charities, community groups and residents together to spark collaboration and make meaningful things happen. I’m especially passionate about increasing cultural participation among marginalised group – people whose creativity deserves to be seen, celebrated and supported.”
Aniqa is Digital Inclusion Officer for Hertfordshire County Council.
Starting her career in Belfast Helen brings three decades of cultural sector experience across the UK and Ireland, brings her expertise in cultural placemaking, learning and community engagement to her role as trustee. Her career spans galleries, national cultural bodies and higher education, including leading major capital projects, award‑winning artistic engagement programmes and impactful cultural partnerships. At University of Sussex Helen is the Head of Cultural Programmes & Engagement, Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.
At University of Sussex Helen is the Head of Cultural Programmes & Engagement, Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.
“We are still a long way from properly valuing the arts and creative culture. As Crawley enters a new phase of regeneration, the moment marks the impact spearheaded by Creative Crawley in championing people, creative resilience, the role of culture in driving economic value, and place identity. This cultural momentum will only continue to grow, and I am proud to be part of this journey alongside the Creative Crawley team and artists in delivering excellence in public art, creativity and collaboration.”
Vestalia is an Urban Planner & Culture-led strategy consultant, founding director of Kensington & Chelsea Art Week (KCAW)
“I’ve proudly called Crawley home for over 10 years and care deeply about the role culture plays in bringing communities together. I’m a marketing and audience strategist. Through my work on London Borough of Culture and at Worthing Theatres & Museum, I’ve seen how creativity can shape place and connection. As a trustee for Creative Crawley, I’m excited to help grow audiences, strengthen local pride and expand impact across the town.”
Kevin is Director of Marketing & Sales at Worthing Theatres & Museum.
“I am delighted to be a member of the Creative Crawley Board, I bring a wealth of experience from working in education for 2 decades and have seen first-hand the positive impact that the creative arts can have on people’s lives including their well-being and employment opportunities. I am passionate about inclusion and representation and improving access to arts and the creative industries which are extremely rewarding. I am committed to broadening participation in community and education projects and it is very exciting to work with Creative Crawley and be part of this movement and the opportunities it presents.”
Joanne is the Vice Principal of Chichester College Group
Toby Shaw works with local charities, community groups and public services to help people get more involved in their communities. He’s particularly interested in the small things that make a big difference — from supporting local groups to grow, to helping people connect through volunteering and social prescribing. Much of his work is about bringing people together and turning good ideas into something practical that benefits local residents.
Outside of work, Toby loves music and theatre and enjoys the way creativity brings people together.
As a trustee of Creative Crawley, Toby is keen to support a creative scene that feels open, inclusive and genuinely rooted in the community.
Toby is the Chief Executive of Crawley Community Action and a qualified social worker.
