I am co-ordinating the national delivery of our Coasts in Mind project across four regions: Poole Harbour, Sefton Coast, Swale Estuary and Taw-Torridge Estuary, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The community archive mapping methodology applied by the project builds on research and engagement work I helped to develop over several years, through pilot projects that included the award-winning Changing Minds, Changing Coasts (funded by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council) Searching Mersea (CITiZAN, National Lottery Heritage Fund) and Coasts in Mind: Development Phase (National Lottery Heritage Fund).
I have specialised in community-led and creative methodologies. This has included the role art and creative practice can play in improving inclusivity, as well as the value of co-design for accessibility and community empowerment. These interests have led me to work on a wide range of collaborative projects alongside numerous academic and community partners, as well as receiving IAA funding to lead the Visual Impairment Heritage Partnership with Eyes4Positivity.
Outside of MOLA I have worked as a research associate at the National Maritime Museum (Royal Museums Greenwich) and a heritage consultant. I also have a background in music and audio production, leading to a special interest in intangible heritage and the creative use of audio in heritage engagement.