Early inspiration and creative beginnings
Growing up gay and ginger in a small Welsh town, I wasn’t exactly flying under the radar. While others were kicking a football around, I was watching Charmed and dancing to music videos of the Sugababes, immersing myself in the visual world and finding any opportunity to create and consume art and media. Fast forward to age 11, when I somehow ended up on a BBC show with Richard Hammond (and no, I will not be sharing the link), that was the moment I knew I wanted to be part of the creative sector and all it had to offer.
After leaving school, I initially enrolled in a BA in Film and Television Production at Bath Spa University, but it didn’t quite feel right. Something kept pulling me back to Wales, specifically its vibrant creative landscape in Cardiff and the Welsh stories being told. I returned a few months later to study Photography and Video at University of South Wales, where I began to explore Cardiff’s dynamic creative spaces and connect with its people—leaving me wanting more. With so much happening right on our doorstep, I was determined not to feel the need to go to London to pursue a career in the creative industries. I wanted to showcase Welsh talent and stories, highlighting the remarkable diversity and creativity of our artists and our culture. We may be small, but we are undeniably mighty.
My introduction to Creative Cardiff
In 2022, with the industry still recovering from the impact of the pandemic, I felt it was the right time to pursue a masters degree and re-immerse myself physically in Cardiff's creative scene and its vibrant community again. By that point, my experiences had cemented my desire to stay, study and work in Cardiff further—a city that not only celebrates but thrives across various sectors of the creative industry. During my studies in Cultural and Creative Industries at Cardiff University, I connected with Creative Cardiff, where I had the opportunity to complete my placement and publish a campaign on 5 organisations that support LGBTQ+ creatives in Wales. During both degrees, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with organisations such as Ffotogallery, Amgueddfa Cymru, BBC Cymru, Caer Heritage Centre, and Clwstwr.
Professional and creative experiences in Wales
Since my MA, I have been actively involved with the Centre for the Creative Economy at Cardiff University. During this time, I played a significant role as a producer for Media Cymru working on PodCon Cymru, Wales' only podcast conference, as well as supporting with some Creative Cardiff events like their monthly Creative Cuppas and festive party. In addition to this new role, I also can be found at Cardiff University's Social Science Research Park (SPARK) as their Communications Officer and Digital Content Editor.
Editorial and community engagement
I have served as the Events Editor for Buzz Magazine, where I was able to engage with an array of individuals across various industries in Wales, including actor and author Ruth Jones, Hollywood director Celyn Jones, and showcase the growing Welsh gaming industry. I was also proud to be involved with the Iris Prize Film Festival and to provide press coverage for the Green Man Festival.
I additionally served as the Community Editor for LGBTQYMRU Magazine, Wales' first and only LGBTQ+ news source and magazine. In this role, I was able to experience working with and engage with intersectional Welsh creatives, allowing me to spotlight LGBTQ+ stories that resonate deeply with me and my community. My creative portfolio extends to working as a Video Editor for Ascend Productions in Cardiff and showcasing my own artwork and photography in various exhibitions, including the Made in Roath Arts Festival, CultVR, Cardiff Umbrella, and even an exhibition in Switzerland.
Life beyond work
Outside of work, I take my role as a Letterboxd film critic very seriously—almost as if the fate of cinema rests on my next review. I also enjoy savouring a good oaky red wine whilst listening to Sade’s greatest hits and making silly little art prints.
In the city, you’ll often find me at Chapter Arts Centre, catching the latest lesbian indie flick, or licking the plate clean of Marmite butter at Uisce in Pontcanna.
Visions for the future
My goal is to bring together creatives from various industries and backgrounds, ensuring that our events reflect the rich diversity of our city. Cardiff’s creative sector is small but mighty, and I’m eager to showcase the talent and stories that make our community so unique and inspiring
I’m incredibly grateful and excited to embark on this role as Events and Operations Officer for Creative Cardiff. I look forward to facilitating the wonderful Creative Cardiff events that have become so integral to the creative community here, while also creating new opportunities that engage and connect the creative sector in Cardiff and the wider capital region. My goal is to bring together creatives from various industries and backgrounds, ensuring that our events reflect the rich diversity of our city. I’m eager to highlight and celebrate the many creative sectors and identities that make Cardiff such a vibrant and inspiring place to work, live, and create. See you around!
