Stoke on Trent's first Poet Laureate 2018 - 2020 appointed in June - Stephen Seabridge,

Clients include: Stoke on Trent City Council 14 - 19 Education; Stoke on Trent College; National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills; Arts Council England; PiCL (ex Creative Partnerships); Glyndebourne Opera; DanceXchange; Stoke on Trent City Council Festivals; Pablo Productions; Shakespeare Schools Festivals; Telford Find Your Talent; Ambassador Theatre Group; Staffordshire University; Art Link; Youth Music Make Some Noise

Lead officer for the implementation and delivery of the new Creative and Media Diploma in the City. A consortium delivery model, uniquely designed for pupils aged 14- 16 years from four city high schools, working as one group, with school staff and professionals from the world of media and performing arts.Two cohorts completed the qualification before it being withdrawn due to major Government reviews of the education system.

Contracted by the Arts Council to assess 14 schools which had made applications for the nationally recognised quality marks of either Arts Mark Gold, Silver or Bronze. Intensive process involving site visit and tour, meetings with Headteachers, Governors, Arts staff and most importantly pupils.

Developing from scratch a quality offer of creative engagement for the local community - for children, adults, schools and community groups. Working with fine professional specialists from the world of dance, drama, music, opera and visual art. Highlights include the commissioning of five new operas for young people in partnership with Glyndebourne Opera, and with Chris Monks and Richard Atkinson. Also successfully generating income through applications to Arts Council, Clore Foundation… Show more Developing from scratch a quality offer of creative engagement for the local community - for children, adults, schools and community groups. Working with fine professional specialists from the world of dance, drama, music, opera and visual art. Highlights include the commissioning of five new operas for young people in partnership with Glyndebourne Opera, and with Chris Monks and Richard Atkinson. Also successfully generating income through applications to Arts Council, Clore Foundation, Arts and Business, private sponsorship and more. Responsible for all aspects of the department including devising, managing and evaluating projects, contracting artists, financial management, working strategically in partnership with regional arts organisations, health and safety and child welfare, and representing the venues on boards such as DanceXchange; Creative and Media Diploma Stoke on Trent; Youth Music; The Barracks Trust, etc.Also responsible for creating the annual youth dance festival in 2002 which continues each year at The Regent Theatre in January, involving thousands of young dancers - from the private and public sector. Also responsible for founding Art Link Community Arts Group in 2005, and still going strong! Funds supporting the group come from Give it Sum; Staffordshire Community Foundation and Healthy Communities for over 60s. Show less