David Rennie - Chair of the Trustees (He/him)
David brings a range of perspectives having been self-employed, worked for the Private Sector, Third Sector and Local Authorities.
He is currently employed in local government with Argyll and Bute Council as a Partnerships Development Officer which involves supporting local organisations looking and applying for funding, with requests for informal and formal assets transfers from the public sector and support for the social enterprise sector as part of the Communities and Partnership Team.
He has a long history with the company and in B Arts field of work from Event directing large scale outdoor performance companies to working as a Pyro-Technician.
Dr Kelly Prince - Deputy Chair (She/Her)
Kelly has worked in or with the voluntary sector since 2002, when she joined Arch (North Staffs) and worked with rough sleepers. In 2005, Kelly was called to the Bar before returning to the voluntary sector as a support worker in a women's refuge. In 2009, she returned to Keele University to complete her PhD which explored the experiences of those working on the frontline of anti- human trafficking efforts. Kelly's post-doctoral research took her back to the voluntary sector, this time to organisations working with criminalised people. She has always had a passion for the power of art as a life-changing activity, especially for those living with multiple disadvantages. Kelly is Safeguarding lead on the board and co-ordinates the Staffing and people power working group
Adrian Ball (They/Them)
Adrian is a spoken word artist, creative practitioner and activist. He has over 25 years experience of working in the third sector across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire both as an employee and as a volunteer within organisations committed to improving the lives of marginalised communities in the local area. He is currently the Up Men programme coordinator at Restoke. A programme that aims to promote positive mental health in men through creativity and connection - bringing people together without fear of judgement.
Alexandra Scott (She/Her)
Alex is currently the Administrator for Making Music’s Award for Young Concert Artists scheme and previously Theatre Manager at Stoke Film Theatre. For 23 years she was the Artistic Director of Keele Concerts Society and also enjoyed working for B-Arts in a number of different roles, including Link Worker supporting young asylum seekers and refugees and Management Support worker. She continues to actively volunteer with Asylum Seeker and Refugee support services in the city
Alex co-ordinates the Environmental Responsibility working group.
Claire Meadowcroft - Treasurer (She/Her)
Claire has extensive knowledge and expertise in finance and technology, having had a range of analytical and managerial roles spanning over 15 years in the banking and insurance industries, including business optimisation, overseeing budgets, cost saving programmes and financial planning through forecasting and trend analysis. Alongside her financial expertise she also sits on the NatWest Wellbeing forum, which focusses on how the physical and mental wellbeing of staff teams can be proactively supported within the workplace. She is an active supporter of socially engaged arts across the city (and further afield) both as a volunteer and participant.
Claire co-ordinates the finance and income generation sub group.
Sujen Walker (She/Her)
Sujen was raised in Taiwan, where she was a practicing accountant. She moved to UK as a mature Student in 1984 (Studying Business). After raising her own family she re-trained as an early years practitioner and worked at Keele University Day Nursery. Sujen became involved in B arts projects as a participant after retiring in 2016 and soon started regularly volunteering for the company both in our community bakery and on our creative programme. She joined our first participant and volunteer advisory group (Space to Connect) and continues to help us shape our creative programming as part of this group. In 2020 she also joined the board and is proud to represent the advisory group at board level.
Ben McManus (He/Him)
Ben is the CEO of digital skills and inclusion company, Wavemaker. Ben founded Wavemaker back in 2015 with the vision of creating a safe and open space for young people to learn more about technology and STEAM subjects. Over the past 7 years the company has grown and now offers a range of digital inclusion services including digital technologies for health, education and skills for the future and the changing economy. Ben sits on a number of focus groups that aim to identify the needs and boost investment into youth services, education and the city’s digital cultural landscape including Digital Staffordshire, Stoke CEP, Stoke-On-Trent Science Excellence Partnership (SEP). He isDigital Director for the Mitchell Arts Centre, sits on the advisory board of Wild Rumpus and is an active member of North Staffs Chambers.
Ben is an artist, musician and long-term supporter of B arts, having worked with the company from 2004-2012.
Michaela Cooper (She/Her)
Michaela started her journey with B arts as a participant, joining her daughter Evangeline on a creative performance-based project delivered during lockdown (2020). Since then Michaela has continued to regularly volunteer with B arts. Michaela currently works for a Staffordshire-based non-profit organisation running social projects with older people, including those living with dementia and their families. She has extensive experience working as a student support worker for students with additional needs (ranging from dyslexia, to mental ill health and physical disability) at Stoke College, Staffordshire University and Keele University.
Funmilayo Ayanbadejo (She/Her)
Funmilayo has experience of financial planning and management within the business sector, having worked as finance system lead for Anchoria Investment Limited, Glaxo Wellcome, UK as well as running her own textile-based business. As a volunteer and trustee, she has also worked on projects offering business mentoring and that use the arts to create a safe space for young people to express themselves.