Who We Are
This is the home of The Culture Company…we like to call it our Lower Ground NYC Loft apartment. Obviously just as groovy as anything New York can muster and yet, unlike NYC, marvelously handy for Leeds Train Station and all points north, south, east and west.
The Culture Company’s Director is Nicola Stephenson. Over the last 18 years, she has researched and developed many artists’ projects, particularly those engaging with the physical and cultural demands of architectural space, public environments and audiences. She is committed to demonstrating the social, cultural and commercial value of the arts and creativity. Our other key member of staff is Nigel Fischer, leading on the latest research and development programmes coming out of our Melt family; ArtiMelt and Mini-Melt.
We also work with a range of trusted associates to build the best team for the projects we do. We have a reputation for delivering ambitious projects creatively and with excellent results that often exceed expectations. Everyone who works with us is excited by what happens when you bring creative people, ideas, commissioners and audiences together. We like to challenge ourselves and our clients and partners to go the extra mile. It doesn't matter to us if it's a small or big project.
Board of Trustees
We are lucky to have an extremely well respected Board of Trustees who offer invaluable insight and guidance and share our journey. They are:
Timandra Gustafson (Chair) was until recently Director of Axis, the national online resource for contemporary art, before setting up her own company, Cultural Consulting. Her previous posts include Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council England, North East. She is committed to supporting artists and specialises in working with organisations that promote artists’ work and brings an absolute wealth of experience and wisdom to our meetings.
Richard Watts is the longest serving member on our Board. Amazingly connected, his change management company People Make it work have clients who range from Arts Council England, to Deutsche Post and Teach First. He has recently founded a charity, The Everyone Foundation, and we just love his energy, positivity and sense of fun.
Professor Chris Bailey is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Society of Leeds Metropolitan University. Bringing thirty years experience of practical engagement with the cultural sector, his research interests lie in cultural policy and history, culture and regeneration and in culture's role in regional development. He has also published research on the impact of digital technologies on education and audiences.
Hannah Mason is Director of Communications for the Housing Diversity Network, has a background in design and music, and set up a Carnival Arts Network for the Arts Council. She has just helped us write our comprehensive Equality Action plan.
Michelle Normington is Sponsorship Consultant for the Yorkshire Bank with particular responsibility for brand materials and building long-term community partnerships within sponsorships. She has been a fantastic sounding board for the development of our new website and marketing materials.
Dr Rachael Unsworth is an expert on urban environments and processes of change, particularly in the integration of social, economic and environmental issues, including climate change and resource constraints; citizen participation in urban change and the development of sustainable communities urban design and place making. She is very supportive of our projects which address creative approaches to greening the city such as Wonderwood (see New Projects).
Yvonne Deane is CEO of Deane Associates: Yvonne Deane established Deane Associates in 1996 to provide a wide range of business development services to the arts, media and community sectors. She has a legendary reputation for rigorous research and meticulous project planning together with a flexible and client centred approach. Her insightful scrutiny keeps us on our toes in the best possible way.