Meet our wonderful staff who make the work we do as a charity possible.
Prima Gouse joined Artswork in August 2024. Since the age of 14, she has curated art projects that unite communities and champion equal opportunities for youth to thrive. With a lifelong passion for the arts and community engagement, Prima is committed to creating inclusive spaces where young voices are celebrated and their ideas can shine.
Peta joined the Artswork team in June 2023. She has had a long and varied career, including many years as a journalist and magazine editor and a decade as a children’s author and illustrator, delivering many creative workshops in schools and in the community. Peta is passionate about empowering young people through creativity; to build confidence, increase aspiration and skills, and support their wellbeing.
Mandie started her career as a Teacher and has worked in Arts education ever since. She’s worked at National Maritime Museum as the eLearning Manager, creating interactive learning resources for the website and galleries, and trained with the Place To Be as a children’s counsellor. Before joining Artswork, Mandie was as Head of Education at Under 1 Roof, a children’s centre in Woolwich, where she helped schools gain their Artsmark.
Lucy joined Artswork in 2018. Now Head of Business Development, she works to drive growth and change so that in Artswork can empower more young people through creativity. Initially a museum curator, Lucy launched two new public art galleries that each contributed to their museums winning ‘Museum of the Year.’ Lucy then refocused on organisational development: first in consultancy, then in public sector change in Australia and the UK, followed by nearly a decade in arts sector development agencies.
Lucy is a qualified Executive Coach, holds Chartered Management Consultant status and is an accredited Social Enterprise advisor.
Lucy supports the Operations and Finance team to keep up to date on policy and legislation. A large part of Lucy's role revolves around our investment principles: Ambition & Quality, Dynamism, Inclusivity & Relevance, and Environmental responsibility. My interests strongly align with our work towards Environmental Sustainability and Access, Diversity, Equality & Inclusion. Lucy's work contributes toward curating an employee learning programme and resources relating to these topics.
Louise joined the team in 2023. A Kent-based artist, curator, researcher, and creative practitioner, her primary interests lie in exploring alternative methods of learning and placemaking.
At Artswork, Louise organises and hosts creative consultations with young people in Dover and supports Young Cultural Changemakers in creating public artworks for the town. She collaborates with various partners in Dover and hosts creative events for young people, such as the annual Dover at Night.
Louise is Artswork’s Chief Executive, leading the organisation overall and planning how we achieve our long term vision.
She taught in universities while gaining a PhD in Art History, then worked in learning and participation in museums, particularly at the National Gallery. A Clore Leadership Fellowship developed new skills, enabling her to research ‘leaders in co-creation’. She then led several properties for the National Trust, finding ways to grow engagement and income through creativity while also helping nature conservation.
Louise loves enabling young people to find solutions for themselves and the world. She sings, and is a Trustee of creative youth charities In Focus and La Folia.
Lisa began her Artswork journey as an Intern in 2004, working on ENYAN and the hub4 project, before later becoming a Trainer for the Artwork Professional Development programme. Believing in the therapeutic power of positivity and calming practice of creation, Lisa has also worked as an Arts Educator and Yoga teacher within a wide variety of cultural organisations and educational settings.
Lisa has developed many skills at her time at Artswork and now resides in the Finance and Ops Team and Finance Lead (Maternity Cover).
Lesley delivers innovative training programs that enhance professional development, and promote creativity, and inclusivity.
Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, Lesley identifies with industry training needs, creating accessible learning experiences, and upholding quality in all initiatives. Lesley also provides consultation and support for organisations and individuals working across the creative, cultural and heritage sectors.
For updates on our programmes, training and opportunities.