The Guide
Laura Brownhill
Art Director |Performer |Maker | Painter
Mina Bihi
Photographer
Nicola Leigh, BA, Dip, MSc
Web/Digital Designer | Tech Support
A multi-disciplinary freelance artist working in events, public art, street theatre/ festival productions, set and props creation, exhibitions, percussionist. Co-founder of The Kazimier 2007-2016. Co-director for Elton John's 'Bennie and the Jets' music video. Forest school assistant.
Lo Tierney
Illustrator | Community Artist
Professional photographer with an extensive and accomplished history. Clients include Liverpool Biennial, National Galleries and Museums Liverpool, The University of Liverpool. Mina, a Trustee for the Greenhouse Project, an advocate and ambassador for children's rights.
Emma Pullin
Body Confidence Photographer | Owner of Emmalita. X
I work with technology to increase wellbeing. I mix my skills as a digital artist, video maker and photographer with my MSc in Positive Psychology. Need tech support? I'm everyone I knows go-to mate when tech glitches out and induces panic – consider it sorted.
Natali O'Grady
Tour Manager|DJ
Lo Tierney is a queer, neurodivergent illustrator and community artist based in Liverpool. Lo's work is camp and colourful with an activist twist. Their previous clients include The Whitechapel Centre, The Walker Art Gallery and GYRO Liverpool.
Cath Garvey
Freelance Illustrator | Animation |Digital
My mission as a photographer and blogger is to change the narrative we have about our bodies and provide an empowering photoshoot.
Emily Salinas, BA, BSc
Sign Painter | Graphic designer
Digital Co-ordinator at Africa Oyé.
Culture. Arts. Music.
Bringing music and community together.
Maria Gulina
Art Director | Performer | Maker |Painter
Cath Garvey is a Freelance Illustrator and Comic artist, her work focuses on social inclusion and introducing people into the art world. Cath has produced work for galleries, organisations and directed short films.
Tamasine Seibold
Textile and Community Artist | Freestyle Weaver
A sign painter and graphic designer who also makes hand made banners for venues and events. She has a particular interest in mental health, wellbeing and community projects.
Jo Mary Watson
Poet | Writer | Marketing Executive
Maria is a writer, podcaster and photographer, who has worked in independent media and environmental NGOs. She is interested in analogue photography, collage making and the intersections of art and climate.
Sandi Hughes
Feminist Film-maker | DJ | Poet | Activist
I am inspired by both nature and urban entropy, beauty in decay. I wish to create a community dialogue to share stories, emotions, perspectives and to approach work in a ‘mindful and contemplative’ way.
Jo is a Queer, neurodiverse reader and writer. Her work is influenced by mental health matters, Motherhood, people she has known and moments she has experienced, actual and imaginary. Jo is deeply inspired by her child, moving water and flowers.
Sandi has spent more than 40 years documenting community and political events concerned with gender, race and sexuality across Merseyside, such as protests against Section 28.
Contact
Ruth Dillon
Visual and Conceptual Artist
Clare Brumby
Multidisciplinary Artist
Angie Waller
Performer | Producer
Working with photography, film, stop-motion and 3D installation. Concept and process led, with an emphasis on the collective memory and living memory of communities. Visual language is employed to convey ideas, emotions, histories both hidden and seen, and living culture.
Pei Yee Tong
Choreographer | Dancer | Teacher | Co-founder of Movema
Socially-engaged, multidisciplinary artist creating collaborative, live artwork using performance, dialogue and Deep Listening. Work explores themes of identity, culture, gender, ritual and power, using a range of disciplines and practices to experiment with process, participation and learning.
Faye Héran
Fashion stylist | Visual artist | Educator | Poet
Creator of Nana Funk. Company Manager of Impropriety CIC (Liverpool) 2011-2019. Founder member of Kabosh Theatre, Company and The Swing Gals (Belfast). Performing since 1994 and intend to it for as long as possible.
Bryony Jade
Freelance Photographer
Chinese-Malaysian, multi-disciplinary artist based in Liverpool since 2008. Co-founder of Liverpool East and South east Asian network, an artist network promoting work and visibility of East and South east asian artists in Liverpool. Currently on a journey of self discovery and recovery.
Alena Kudera
Garment and Accessory Designer/ Maker
Her work focuses on topics such as mental health, female empowerment, social change, protest and body positivity. Clients include, Vogue Italia. She is currently showing at Open Eye Gallery.
Alice Way, BA
Actor | Writer | Workshop Facilitator | Comedian
I'm a digital freelance photographer based in Liverpool. I specialise in portraiture and my focus is on the female gaze. My work aims to empower the women I photograph and to capture authentic female expression.
Abigail Twigg
Ruby Sparrow | Flowstate CIC
Creating uniquely expressive pieces. Instinctively and deliberately going against the grain of quick fix disposable fashion. Drawn to the beauty in the beast and the beast in beauty. Striving for perfection in imperfection.
Laura Cotter
Creative Producer
Alice is an aspiring clown and artistic director of Dragonfly Performance. Hailing from Louisiana, aka the bible belt of America, Alice uses her morally questionable home state to fuel her current show, “Wet Dream with Jesus.”
Rosie Terry Toogood
Studio Fluid | Fluid Space
Bohemian clothing and jewellery designer working with recycled and reclaimed materials. Embodied yoga and movement teacher. Menstrual cycle coach and creative workshop/henna facilitator for women’s wellness.
Jasmin Ada Knox
Costume Designer
Creative Producer currently working at Invisible Wind Factory heading up the events team and producing all sorts of magical happenings! She co-founded the IWF Rollerdrome in 2021. She also sings, performs, skates… always for love and sometimes for money.
Sorrell Chrystal Kerrison
Multi-Disciplinary Creative Artist | Textiles & Animation
Dance artist and choreographer, inspired by Gaga technique, Continuum, and acting improvisation. She's performed worldwide, and is Co-Art-Director of Swiss Dance Collective; Bufo Makmal. She teaches Pilates and Dance as Studio Fluid in her co/ran studio; Fluid Space.
Jerilyn Brown BSc, PGCE
Freelance Seamstress | Business Owner Mini Sew N Sew
Jasmin is an award winning Costume Designer for film and media with a passion for character and storytelling. Striving towards a more sustainable and ethical approach to costuming.
Eleanor Coole-Green
Costume Designer
Award winning multi-disciplinary creator with a passion for textiles, animation and sustainability.
Aisling Leyne
Voice-Actor | Puppeteer
Jerilyn is a freelance seamstress and independent business owner selling her handmade children’s clothes. She loves quirky and vibrant fabrics which are ethically sourced, and uses them to create unique, comfortable and sustainable children’s wear that is made to last.
Hannah Cahill
Art and Photography Teacher
Liverpool based, working mainly in film and television. She has an excitement for visual storytelling and her craft. Her credits also include theatre and community based projects.
Christy Bellis
Alternative Pop Artist | Singer-songwriter | Actor
From Dublin and trained in both classical and physical theatre. She works from her home studio voicing projects, narrating audiobooks and creating character voices for shows and children’s books. She loves listening to podcasts and can often be seen laughing out loud in public.
Photographing local life, outdoor maternity portaits, and events! I teach step by step art and painting classes at the beach, to improve wellbeing, self confidence and help combat loneliness and isolation. Teaching with different themes to help express feelings and understand emotions.
Christy Bellis is an alternative pop artist/ singer-songwriter from Merseyside, who co produced her debut EP at home. Christy is also an actor who’s worked in theatres across the UK and internationally.
Katie Chesters
Burlesque | Cabaret
Maria Malone, BA
Performer | Artist | CEO
Tilda Teekens, BA, DYCP
Stop-Motion Puppet | Set Maker
My name is Alabama Whirley and I run Glorified Cabaret. A fat positive, inclusive and diverse show celebrating plus-size performers and self-love. We have sold-out our first two shows and been asked to bring it to Leeds this summer.
Grace Goulding, BA, MA
Mass Movement Artist
I create dance, theatre, music video choreography, visual art and poetry. CEO of ACE funded Movema world dance company. I have performed, created, and presented work all over the world. I make visually stunning, provoking, moving work, solo and in collaboration.
Rheannon Ormond
Illustrator | Lecturer
With a background in costume making, Tilda works with vintage fabrics and found materials to create intricate characters and sets. Based above the Invisible Wind Factory, she is looking to collaborate with script writers and animators on her first stop-animated short.
Jo Pue Richards
Fiddle Player | Guitarist | Singer | Performer | Music Teacher| Educator
Movement director, choreographer, education/outreach artist and facilitator. Regional/international work spans dance, theatre and education. Creates high quality performances and big-hearted spectacles that champion humanity creating safe spaces for brave and ambitious work.
Mary Lamb
Costume | Fashion Designer |Maker | Lecturer |Director
Rheannon Ormond is an illustrator and lecturer based in Liverpool. She creates highly detailed illustrations in pen and ink, using a meticulous pointillism technique. Inspired by nature, history, romance and magic, her most recent work explores folklore and the occult.
Jubeda Khatun, BA
CEO Artistic Director BlackFest Ltd | Producer | Director | Theatre Maker
Created community music organisation Melody Makers in 2009, providing music in schools and for the wider community, specialising in Irish and Folk Music. Performed violin for Giant Spectacular event in 2018.
Elizabeth Brooks, BA, MA
Artist | Illustrator
Working nationally on TV, in theatre and large events from her studio in Liverpool’s Fabric District. She is passionate about sustainable fashion: currently working on ‘Circle-ist’ an innovative remaking project.
Raven Stone, BSc, MSc
Illustrator
Empowering women, delivering 5 festivals and supporting youth and Black arts. Liverpool Echo's Powerlist: 100 most influential people in Liverpool 2019. Merseyside Woman of the year 2022. Awesome Foundation and LiverpoolSOUP trustee.
Sally Ayres
Business Owner at Frieda Mo's
Using a fusion of watercolours, screen prints and digital media to create colourful and vibrant artwork. She draws inspiration from nature, traditional tales and popular culture. She combines different elements in amusing and creative ways.
Alexandra Morton
Design for Performance
Raven is a genderfluid freelance illustrator from Liverpool and is training to be a tattoo artist.
Runs a homely combination vintage shop/cafe with records, clothes, housemade baked goods and brunch.
Works freelance across creative industries. Alexandra’s practice includes; Costume Design and fabrication, Set and Costume Design for aheatre, and Buying and prop making within Film and TV art departments.
Emma Goult
Creative Producer
Hannah Ballard
Dance Artist
Kate Stewart
Creative Business Practitioner | Community Changemaker
Creative producer, community practitioner and dance artist. Previously worked as a community coordinator at Make CIC, and is now producing/teaching community Tap classes and performances with Sole Rebel. Emma is also part of the 2023 cohort Producer Pathway with Unity Theatre.
Beija Flo
Singer | Songwriter | Artist | Poet | Cabaret Host | Digital Marketer
Hannah is a multi-disciplinary dance artist experienced in performance, direction, and choreography. Her practice draws from rhythm tap dance, contemporary dance and improvisation. Hannah is Founder and Artistic Director of Liverpool based dance, music and theatre company Sole Rebel.
Geniene Azalea
Sound Therapist | Meditation Guide
Creative business practitioner and community changemaker. Wealth of experience in the built environment, community & design. Designer/ maker of Factory Floor Jewels. CEO of We Make Places. Lead Board Member for Social and Cultural Regen at The Fabric District.
Ava Richards
Acoustic | Solo | Multi-instrumentalist
Pulling together elements of activism with performance art. Impossible to pin down, her sound encompasses everything from open hearted balladry to acerbic punk. She is truly an artist for our times, juxtaposing her darkest moments against those of enduring hope.
Geniene is a reiki master and sound therapist. She facilitates courses and workshops teaching techniques on how to use the subconscious mind and meditation to reprogramme thoughts in order to live a more nourishing life.
Multi instrumentalist using vocals, violin, guitar and piano. Electronic /diverse DJ with an eclectic mix in genres and styles. Ava has performed at festivals, bars and varied events with experience in musical tutoring, leading and workshops.
Grace Edwards, BA, MA
Potter
Dawneey Monster
Multi-disciplinary Performing Artist
Jade Heart, Dip
Musician | Wellbeing Practitioner | Forest School Leader
Grace founded GG Clayworks in 2016 and makes pots alongside a full time job in museums. Her ceramics are completely inspired by the English countryside: the textures, twists and turns of nature, and the seasonal colours of the outdoors.
Holly Tulloch
Project manager | Event Co-ordinator |Producer | Audio Engineer
Performs and creates digital and live shows and events. Work ranges from film and digital theatre content to community art. Collaborates on music projects and usually found in festivals enticing crowds to be as ridiculous as possible in some comedy game show. I run Willful Misfits ND arts Co.
Laura Ferries MA, PGCE
Writer | English Teacher
Part of two all-female bands SHE and Mamatung. Runs singing groups, leads forest school sessions for kids, teaches yoga and meditation in the community and offers massage and womb healing as part of Sacred Self intuitive massage Sanctuary of Sophia womb healing CPD.
Jessica Sawyer
Intuitive Creatrix | Space Holder | Healer
Events coordinator at Bongos Bingo and director at Scrapyard Studios CIC. Runs photography projects, a recording studio and leading on a women in music project including a 2023 festival ran entirely by women (the biggest of its kind in the North West.).
Laura is a writer and English teacher from Liverpool who has written for various online and print publications and has published two collections of poetry. She also speaks Spanish and Italian and has co-hosted multilingual poetry events.
Energy medicine worker and ceremonialist. 10+ years sharing teachings on Reiki, EFT, plant medicine, yoga, self love and the Divine Feminine. Master in Sekhem, (ancient Egyptian lineage of energy healing), working deeply with the Priestess Rose Lineage.
Louise Evans, MRes, FHEA
Poet
Vesper
Singer | Songwriter
Emma Ashcroft
Professional Vocalist | Actor
Louise is a Spanish teacher, PhD student, poet and moaner. She writes about being a Northern woman navigating single life in the digital age and academia as a working-class 20-something. She has published and performed her spoken word and has co-hosted various events in the city.
Heather Nielsen BSc
DJ | Intuitive dancer | Co-owner of Sun Palace Sound System | Writer
Performing in the coolest venues across the city, her rich yet ethereal voice encapsulates dark n dreamy pop. She’s recently released her first single, ‘October’s Kiss’ and has lots of exciting projects coming up in 2023 to share.
Dan Waine
Multidisciplinary Artist | Puppet Maker | Arts Organiser | Jewellery Maker
Cockney songstress now permanently in Liverpool. Appeared in musical Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens (pick of the Manchester Fringe Winner). Lead singer of psych-rock band Blue Eyed Crows. Has specialised in children’s & youth theatre & loves to write spoken word poetry.
Sonia Chapman a.k.a. Crystal Maisie
Producer | Stage Manager
Heather a.k.a AETHHER uses music and movement to promote wellbeing and community. AETHHER is co-creator, host and dance pollinator for sober disco Dancing for Mental Health, and party for friends and future friends Space to Danc”.
Dan Waine makes chainmail jewellery collections, is a puppet maker and founder of Puppet Folk, a monthly puppeteers meet-up which aims to build a community of puppeteers in Liverpool. She is also an Artist Lead at The Royal Standard.
Sonia works accross theatre, cabaret / variety and live events. She is proud to be working on a festival for Eurovision 2023 and has been a core member of The Secret Circus team since 2018.
Anna Levin
Photographer | Artist
Sinéad Nunes
Arts Marketing Professional | Copy Editor | Writer | Project Manager
Solenna Argow
Photographer
Anna is a photographer specialising in fashion and portraiture. She has a background in performance, design and video production, and has collaborated extensively with art organisations in the city.
Rachel Waite
Arts For Health Professional | Holistic Harmonies CIC | Singing Mamas CIC
Working with arts organisations, charities and non-profits across the North West. Currently Marketing and Audience Development Manager at Heart of Glass / Trustee at Homotopia / Mentor at Arts Emergency.
The Queen of Heartbreak
The Secret Circus Host
Documentary and portrait photography. Assisted for Scrapyard Studios Rail Explored project. Works showcased on Wool And The Gang. Images from The New Success exhibited in Open Eye Gallery for Liverpool City Region Photo Awards 2023 during March and April.
Abi Horsfield, MA
Maker | Performer | Facilitator
Rachel is a facilitator of music, movement and song who delivers her work intuitively, using the arts to support the health and wellbeing of people across the lifespan through Singing For Wellbeing groups, Intergenerational Music and Movement Programmes, Family socials.
Dorrie Halliday/ Diva Hollywood
Performer
AFABulous Queen who runs The Secret Circus and breaks away from the sedate stereotype of spoken word. Telling tales of pube accidents, sluttery, fuckery, and the sacrifice of turning vegan she will have you gasping with shock and crying with laughter. Stay tuned.
The Secret Circus
Inclusive, Weird and Wonderful Cabaret Show
Abi is a neurodiverse theatre maker, performer and facilitator with thirty-five years’ experience working creatively with communities around the world. She is one of the founders of the Neurodiverse Arts Company, WillfulMisfits, and the Outreach-Director at Collective Encounters.
Alessia Pedrosa
Tattoo and Mixed-media Artist
Disabled theatre and cabaret performer with a background in disability arts, digital animation/installation, and events. Partners include Tate Liverpool, BBC Royal Philharmonic, Beautiful Octopus Club, WOW Festival, Unlimited, The Everyman Playhouse and The Wellcome Trust.
Sofia Janicka
Yoga Teacher | Women's Rights Advocate
From sex club to church, to Eurovision, we will keep you on your toes. Fully femme LGBT team; founder & drag queen host, The Queen of Heartbreak, groundbreaking songwriter Beja Flo, infamous crazy clown Naffrodite & producer/ the sexiest stage manager, Crystal Maisie.
Sasha Spyrou
Co-Director Road Studios | Fine-art Print Technician at POTO
Owner of Hellcat Tattoo Studio, I am a tattoo artist and mixed media artist. I run an inclusive space for all bodies, skin colours and am LGBTQ+ friendly.
Tracy Lewis
Mixed-media Artist | Floral Artistry
Motivated by leaving positive impact in the world. Creates educational material to aid others to their own freedom. Believes in everyone's right to a peaceful, happy and fulfilling life. Yoga teacher 8+ years. Transitioning into political/charity work for Women's rights.
Lisa Bostock
Director of My Outdoor Classroom | Sivananda Yoga Instructor
Another Realm/ Sessional Arts Tutor.
Freelance artist and illustrator making and selling handmade laser-cut jewellery, giclee prints, sublimation printed mugs and coasters. Now at Red Brick Market.
Nina Edge
Known For All Sorts of Things | Also Unknown
Retired Paralympic silver medallist, 1992. Goldsmiths college textile graduate. Beauty in nature inspires the handmade Bridal Crowns, special occasion headwear and accessories she creates. Winner of Shed of the Year 2015 with The Owl House; an eco structure available to book on Airbnb.
Johanna Wilson
Visual Artist
Combining yoga and forest school in a therapeutic capacity; merging physical activities with natural arts and crafts. Weaving storytelling/imaginative play, creativity, awe/wonder to deliver holistic experiences for all, facilitating connection in nature & relaxation.
Genevieve Baker, MA
Zombina | Pablo Bigasso
Became known for radical use of craft as part of the 1980s Black British art movement. Has since worked across-the-board making radical artwork. She has a socially collaborative, politically-engaged practice. Currently making short films.
Frankii Phoenix
Cabaret Host | Writer | Comedian |Singer |Event Creator
Specialising in screen printing, she also manages and teaches a degree level course in Illustration with Animation at Wirral Met College. Teaching is a full time role however she maintains her creativity by printing for clients and making artwork to sell at markets or as commisions.
Coming soon
Another awesome person
Local performer, musician, and multidisciplinary artist. Mother. Neurodiversity advocate. Multimedia Arts, qualified Complementary Therapist. Always learning. Current research & creative output focuses on themes of trauma recovery and maternal mental health.
Alison Little
Visual Artist | Writer | Digital Creative
Multi disciplinary performance artist and event creator with a portfolio that includes audiovisual live art, street theatre, dance, music, comedy and cabaret. Currently mainly involved in co-hosting Liverpool based queer cabaret Secret Circus as alter ego Naffrodite.
Kirsten Little
COO and Co-founding Director of Make CIC
Contact
Brittany Kefira
Goldsmith | Silversmith | Tutor
She explores the process of creating 3D images using leading software packages. Bringing digital artworking to companies, but equally creative ethics and alternative approaches to creative development.
Skilled in nonprofit organisations, public engagement and projects, contemporary art, customer service, and art education. Strong arts and design professional graduated from Wimbledon School of Art.
Brittany runs silversmith workshops and creates her own jewellery. From private group classes with procescco, to one-to-one in-depth sessions, she prides herself on equipping you with simple silversmith skills in a laid back, comfortable environment.
Louise Baldwin
Producer | DJ
Fi Gordon
Therapist
Petals in Sound (Louise Baldwin) is a UK-based producer and DJ. After over a decade of living, working and partying in South East London, Petals In Sound recently relocated to Crosby in Liverpool.
Helping clients let go of their shit, lighten-up and become their true selves. Clinical hypnotherapist, EFT and NLP practitioner and therapeutic coach. Developed a combined approach that is organic, responsive to individuals, and powerful in making deep and lasting change.
Thank you to all who attended! Happy...
International women's day 2023!
This guide was co-created by the women who gathered on International Women's Day 2023. We hope to expand the network every year and build on this community in the meantime.
With thanks to Nicola Leigh for building this resource, Mina Bihi (and Emma Pullin) for the portraits, Lo Tierney for the illustrations, Natali O'Grady for the beats and gratefully to Laura Brownhill for getting us all together to be seen for who we are and what we do.
In the theme of celebrating co-creation we thank Tamasine Seibold who brought her loom, which the people in this Guide used to create a 'community cloth' (pictured), to celebrate coming together and working in unity to create something beautiful, a theme we hope to continue.
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