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Caren Stafford (She/Her/Hers)

Fundraising and Development Manager

Caren joined the Artswork team in August 2024 as Fundraising and Development Manager. Prior to this, she worked with arts organisations, local government and charities for over 15 years. She will focus on funding bids, tenders and business proposals and generating new income streams, so that we expand our reach and empower more young people through creativity.

With a background in visual arts, she has previously worked as an Arts Educator, Gallery Curator, Programme Manager and Arts Development Manager, including roles with Camden Arts Centre, Medway Council and Ideas Test. She has worked extensively in fundraising and development with arts organisations across Kent and the South East and as a freelancer.

Before joining Artswork, she co-created and delivered a three-year cultural regeneration programme RECREATE, collaborating with 14 partners across the East and South East of England and Northern France. The Interreg supported Cross Channel programme funded by the European Regional Develop Fund (ERDF) and Arts Council England, involved creative collaborations between artists, public realm commissions, film and moving image festival, and establishing an arts centre with artist studios and CPD for creative practitioners.

Caren has an MA in Ceramics and is passionate about youth and community-led cultural and social change.

Favourite book: Becoming by Michelle Obama. Becoming exceeded my expectations – it’s so much more than a celebrity memoir, it left me feeling hopeful and inspired. 

Favourite exhibition: I was really moved by Barbara Walker’s installation ‘Burden of Proof’, Turner Prize 2023, Towner Eastbourne. Her large-scale charcoal portraits brought attention and visibility to individuals and families affected by the Windrush scandal, the consequences of political decision making and the struggle for legitimacy.

Outside of Artswork, Caren enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors, exploring new places, travelling, and being creative.

Environmental pledge: only print when necessary and avoid single use plastics. 

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