1.Who are you?

Presently in addition to Sanctuary Queer Arts I'm at the intersection of 3 roles; 1) Opera Making (Librettist) one year MA student on scholarship 2021-22 to Guildhall School of Music and Drama with the Royal Opera House. 2) Coach and Advisor to a cross section of Creative Scotland funded and Arts Council England funded organisations focussed on intersectional Race Equity and Change Management 3) I am a fellow of the New York based International Society for the Performing Arts and serve on their Governance Committee.

2.How did you get here?

In autumn 2018 I undertook one year MLitt through a scholarship from the Scottish Funding Council to study Theatre and Performance Practices at the University of Glasgow. Beside that I continued to develop my practice as a coach, mentor, trainer and facilitator working across disciplines and scales with individuals and national organisations. My love of opera was nurtured through the National Theatre of Scotland and the Edinburgh International Festivals summer artist leadership programmes Navigating International Waters and Cross Currents.

3. What does the concept of sanctuary mean to you?

When I think of the word sanctuary I breathe in and out with ease. It means to me artistic freedom from censorship. A place to reflect, restore and to experience renewal. To connect with the present and the cosmos. To depart from it able to give you my full attention.

4. What does your sanctuary look like?

For me in recent times it is not a fixed place of bricks and mortar under a particular sky. It is my heart, imagination and body combined. This is elevated when I engage with an arts and culture experience be it one I have created or attending. It's about connection, I'm passionate about radical diplomatic empathy.