Alex Evans
Alex Evans is a visual artist, director and creative facilitator living and working in London. He is proud to be the Artistic Director of Kazzum Arts, after taking on the role in June 2017.
He has collaborated with numerous cultural organisations across the UK including MK Gallery, Southbank Centre, London Bubble and the Victoria and Albert Museum. International residencies include projects in Australia, Japan, the Maldives and extensively throughout Europe. His complex architectural drawings have been exhibited in group and solo shows across the UK.
Alex won a Sydney Theatre Award for his directorial work on ‘War Crimes’ for the Australian Theatre for Young People, and was nominated as ‘Best Artist’ at the Shorty Awards in New York. In 2017 he was selected as the first ever Artist in Residence at London’s iconic Tower Bridge.
Alex has trained at The University of Hull, Wimbledon School of Art and at the Institute of Arts and Therapy in Education (IATE) . He is currently completing his training as a Child Therapeutic Wellbeing Practitioner at IATE’s Wellbeing Faculty.
Kazzum Arts projects with Alex
More about Alex: www.alexanderevans.net
Lauren Irving
Lauren Irving has over 10 years’ experience of managing creative arts projects and theatre productions that engage young people impacted by adversity. Her experience includes producing outdoor and site-specific performance and developing successful participatory arts projects with community groups and schools.
Lauren has extensive experience of working with young asylum seekers and refugees and has been instrumental in developing Kazzum’s Pathways Programme.
She is experienced in managing project and company budgets, fundraising, reporting to statutory and charitable funding bodies, and working on international partnership projects.
Lauren Studied for a BA in Theatre Arts at Brighton University and an MA in Advanced Theatre practice from The Royal School of Speech and Drama.
Lauren is passionate about advocating for the rights of children and young people and feels incredibly privileged to be working with Kazzum.
Lauren-Joy Cameron
Lauren-Joy moved into working in the Arts, after more than seven years managing projects for International film studios in the Digital Media Industry.
She gained her BA Hons in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Warwick.
Lauren-Joy has experience of working closely with young people as an Independent Youth Mental Health Advocate and has worked on several outdoor, participatory and community arts projects.
She is a keen supporter of mental health awareness and is passionate about creating space for creative expression, and discussions about wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.
Tara Postma
Tara Postma has been working in the charity sector since 2013, having previously developed two independent clothing businesses. She has experience in project management, community outreach and drama facilitation.
Tara holds a BA in drama at The University of Exeter (2009) and an MA in Applied Theatre at The Royal Centre School of Speech and Drama (2019).
She has extensive experience working with children and young people in a creative capacity and continues to work as a freelance facilitator alongside her work at Kazzum.
Tara is a passionate believer in the power of the arts to help create positive changes in the lives of young people.
Kitty Harris
Kitty Harris is a creative marketing professional who has worked with startups and small businesses in developing their online presence for over five years.
She has a BA in Theatre Performance Design from the University of Leeds (2015), and an MA in Illustration from Camberwell College of Arts (2019).
She has experience working with children in the UK and abroad, and believes in the importance of the arts as a catalyst for change.
Kitty is excited to be working in the arts charity sector, and with a company that is so committed to positively changing the lives of young people.
Kitty is also an illustrator, specialising in illustration for children. You can see her work on her website.
More about Kitty: www.kittyharris.co.uk
Arji Manuelpillai
Arji Manuelpillai is a poet and multi-disciplinary artist based in London. For over 15 years Arji has worked with migrant communities nationally and internationally.
He has been lead facilitator with campaign group Brighter Futures and has taught extensively in Immigration Removal Centre's, Schools and Refugee camps. As well as this he has provided workshops for Refugee Council, The Roundhouse, Caras, Good Chance Theatre and many more. His work centres around giving voice to those dehumanised by the current immigration policies in the UK.
When asked why he continues this work Arji said ‘it is a privilege to connect with some of the most talented and warm people in the world, I want to give people the tools to be able to express themselves and their feelings.’
Kazzum Arts Projects with Arji
More about Arji: www.arji.org
Becky Bailey
Becky Bailey’s world is visual. Born profoundly Deaf Becky’s first language is BSL.
Based in Hackney, Becky is a practising artist, photographer and illustrator, and has had a book published by Frank Barnes Deaf School to help teach children literacy. Her animated short film, ‘Little World’ won awards at the Irish, Australian, USA and Canadian Deaf Film Festivals.
With a BA Hons in Textiles and Surface Printing from the University of East London Becky has taught art in Jordan and spent time in The Gambia, where she helped to produce the country’s first book with Gambian Sign Language (GSL) incorporated into it.
Becky began documenting Kazzum’s workshops with her camera, capturing the process and results of a variety of projects and has now become more involved as an artist practitioner leading printing workshops and designing 2D displays.
Becky is passionate about promoting Deaf awareness and encouraging children with communication barriers that they can express themselves creatively with confidence.
‘Why I like working with Kazzum?’ Becky explains, ‘I can just be me. I’m supported by an inspiring group of artists who celebrate my skills and share creative journeys with me.’
Kazzum Arts projects with Becky
More about Becky: www.beckybaileyphotographer.com
Jon Van Beek
Jon Van Beek is a London-based Designer, Maker and Facilitator. Originally from Nottingham. He graduated from University of the Arts London gaining a first class BA (Hons) degree in Costume, Technical Effects and Make-Up for Performance. His practice is a based on design and making skills that are orientated towards an expanded or social conception of theatre. Youthful and playful, Jon’s work is actively inclusive and often involves working in non-theatre spaces. He has a real interest in Outdoor and Disability Arts and the changing character of UK cities and culture.
Recent Theatre and Outdoor Arts includes A SQUARE WORLD (Daryl Beeton Productions, 2021), PLANTED SYMPHONY (Drake Music, 2021) and THE GREENHOUSE (Sophie Nüzel, 2021).
Jon is an Associate Artist at Kazzum Arts where recent projects include BORED ON THE WARD? and MIND : OFF (Kazzum Arts, 2020), created in collaboration with Robin Lane Roberts, Kathryn Corlett and Natasha Cossey.
More about Jon: LinkedIn Profile
Amanda Mascarenhas
Amanda Mascarenhas is a London based Theatre Designer and Visual Artist. She works in Theatre, Television and Events. She is also maker, facilitator and community artist. She graduated from Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance gaining BA(Hons) in Theatre Design.
She is Associate Artist to both Kazzum Arts and The Kings Head Theatre and a Trustee of The Kings Head Theatre. She regularly works with wide variety of community groups, either facilitating workshops or creating art and theatre together. Companies include: Magic Me, Heart n Soul, Regents Place Community, EEA, Oily Cart, Intermission Theatre, Southbank Centre, National Theatre Young peoples programme.
Amanda is passionate about developing young peoples confidence in their artistic skills, trying something new, always with the aim that it will enrich all areas of their life. She enjoys working with young people as they always challenge her perspective on the arts.
Kazzum Arts projects with Amanda
More about Amanda: www.amandamascarenhas.com
Dan Martin
Dan Martin has taught, choreographed, mentored, performed and consulted for numerous companies and organisations across the UK leading him to become one of the most influential artists in the South West.
Over the last two years, Dan has been appointed Associate Artist at Kazzum Arts, a Young Professional representative for Swindon Dance, a Young Choreographer South West representative, Board Member for BathDance and a Trustee for the organisation Mentoring Plus.
Dan always brings enthusiasm and a positive attitude to his work and thrives on passing on as much knowledge and experience as he can while continuing to develop himself to help others to reach their true potential to the very best of their ability.
More about Dan: Facebook Page
Nickie Miles-Wildin
Nickie is an independent theatre maker best known for playful work that integrates access in a fun and creative way. For Kazzum Nickie has directed Nanna’s Jumble working closely with designer Jon Van Beek to create an immersive jumble sale setting. She also collaborated on the projects Head Space, The Waiting Game and Addressed to A Friend. From 2008 - 2012 Nickie performed in Kazzum’s outdoor show Paper People.
Nickie is a disabled woman who strives to make theatre more accessible and in 2014 she co-founded TwoCan - Gloucestershire’s first disabled-led theatre company.
In 2012 Nickie played Miranda in the 2012 Paralympics Opening Ceremony.
Directing credits include: The Tempest (Manchester Royal Exchange Young Company) Two Can Toucan, Disability Sex Archives (TwoCan), Bingo Lingo (co-director and performer for Wild N Beets).
Kazzum Arts projects with Nickie
More about Nickie: nicolamiles-wildin.com
Lisa Hayes
Lisa Hayes has over ten years’ experience as a drama facilitator and holds a B.A. Degree in Drama and Theatre Studies as well as a Diploma in Physical Theatre Making.
She makes work and delivers workshops for young people across London for companies such as Kazzum, Tender, Emergency Exit Arts and the Lyric Hammersmith.
Lisa has also completed a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training and teaches Vinyasa Flow yoga classes with adults, children and young people.
Lisa has worked across several Kazzum projects but primarily works on Build with their girls and mixed gender groups.
Raphael Clarkson
Raph Clarkson is a trombonist, improviser, composer and educator, based in Bristol.
He has developed an eclectic musical career, which spans trad-jazz, contemporary jazz, avant-garde improvised music, theatre and performance art, rock/pop, contemporary classical music, ska/reggae, South African township jazz, and salsa, working as a bandleader, facilitator, support musician/sideman, composer/arranger and everything in-between.
Raph regularly leads community, learning & participation projects for Spitalfields Music, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Sinfonia Viva and Mid Wales Music Trust, and has worked in youth arts settings with major organisations across the U.K. including many of the major orchestras and opera companies working in the South East and of course Kazzum Arts.
Raph absolutely loves using music and participatory arts to help young people develop their confidence and communication skills, their self-expression and creativity, and their overall wellbeing.
Kazzum Arts projects with Raph
More about Raph: www.raphclarkson.com
Natasha Cossey
Natasha Cossey is a visual artist, designer and creative facilitator from London. She has worked professionally in collaborative participant-centred projects for the past 14 years with a variety of participants locally, nationally and globally. Natasha is passionate about creating highly visual artworks through accessible workshops. Fuelled by the desire to create art that invites people to engage, play, share and celebrate.
As an Artist, Natasha creates dynamic and safe environments for participants to explore different art practices and techniques drawn from her extensive experience. This approach supports participants to become more articulate in their own creative activism.
Natasha’s experience most recently extends to designing and delivering bespoke projects with leading organisations including Emergency Exit Arts, Kazzum, Artichoke Trust, Cardboard Citizens, Southbank Centre and A New Direction.
Natasha’s art practice is highly visual, empathetic and vibrant, at the core of her work she incorporates the participants imagination and self-expression.
Taghrid Choucair-Vizoso
Taghrid Choucair-Vizoso has been one of the lead artists and facilitators on Kazzum's Pathways Programme since 2014. She is also a theatre-maker with a practice in contemporary work in or about the Middle East.
Since 2012, she has been developing intercultural and cross-cultural work with performance artists and playwrights in the UK, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. She is co-founder and co-director of At Home in Gaza and London, a cross-cultural digital performance project bringing together artists and audiences in the two cities. She produced and co-programmed the 2018 AWAN – Arab Women Artists Now Festival in London. In the summer of 2018, she joined Shubbak Festival as their Programme and Engagement Producer.
More about Tahgrid: athomeingazaandlondon.com
Kathryn Corlett
Kathryn Corlett is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in south London. She became a Kazzum Arts associate artist in 2018 and has since created a huge variety of designs for Kazzum, including creating an exhibition in collaboration with Brighter Futures, an advocacy group for young migrants that Kazzum supports, refreshing our brand and marketing design, and when the Covid-19 pandemic hit she helped us create a variety of print and online resources to enable us to continue supporting young people, when we couldn’t deliver in person workshops.
She has been working in the art and design industry professionally since 2005, when she completed her Graphic Design BA (Hons) at Falmouth College of Arts. In that time she has designed and illustrated artwork for a huge range of organisations and charities, including several Arts Council National Portfolio Organisations and has designed two books for Little Inventors, published by Harper Collins, with a a third book on the way for Alexandra Palace, that she is both designing and illustrating.
Kathryn thinks that all young people deserve the opportunity to express themselves creatively and the fun and joy that can be found in doing so is incredibly valuable, both as an expressive outlet and therapeutic tool.
More about Kathryn: www.kathryncorlett.co.uk
Tunde James
Tunde James is a therapeutic creative facilitator with a trauma-informed, strength-based and attachment-aware approach to young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Tunde works on the Build programme, and loved also being involved in Games Jam. Tunde also works for Lifebeat UK, and with schools and alternative provisions.
Tunde specialises in creating safe, kind and fun spaces, enabling participants to take creative risks, explore new ideas and get to know more about each other and themselves. She is serious about playfulness and ensures that her sessions are boundaried and emotionally held as well as creative, multi-sensory and silly!
Tunde trained in Fine Art at Chelsea school of Art and Design and in Creating Theatre and Performance at LISPA. She has a diploma in Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Arts from IATE and is currently training in counselling children and adolescents using the Arts.
Maria Askew
Maria is an award-winning theatre director, performer, writer and facilitator. She is head of Mountview’s MA in Theatre for Community and Education. Maria trained at Jacques Lecoq International Theatre School in Paris and has a Masters in International Politics from SOAS University. She also has a degree in Theatre and Performance Studies from University of Warwick.
Maria is an Associate Artist at Clod Ensemble, and uses forum theatre and arts-based workshops to support NHS healthcare professionals in developing skills in communication and conflict resolution. She is artistic director of Superbolt Theatre, an international theatre company that creates original work for intergenerational audiences.
Maria has taught theatre at the Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation in Brixton and led multiple projects with young people in Colombia, Italy and the Dominican Republic. Maria was a researcher on Latin America for Al Jazeera.
Maria is based in Brighton and Hove, and loves working with young people on creative projects for social transformation.
Marie Horner
Marie is a podcast producer and writer who loves storytelling through sound and running workshops to support others to create their own ear crackling audio.
After being the Head of Broadcast and Digital at the Roundhouse for over 10 years she also works as a consultant for different arts organisations and broadcasters to explore podcasting and lectures in podcasting at SOAS University.
Marie’s career started as a broadcast journalist and voiceover artist at the BBC, Global and other international broadcasters and podcast platforms before moving to working with emerging creatives in the arts. Podcasting is storytelling and more often than not, children and young people are the voices we should be hearing more from.
Marie also loves custard creams, neon pink, living in East London and being on the beach with her family.
Robin Lane-Roberts
Robin is an Illustrator and Animator based in Frome, Somerset. Robin trained in Fine Art at Falmouth University and has used his broad skills to develop his various illustration and animation styles. Robin has worked with many arts and wellbeing organisations including Emergency Exit Arts, Creative Nature, The Junk Orchestra, We Create and 42 Acres.
Robin hopes to engage young people with creativity and learning by using visuals that they can relate to and that help break down complex ideas and concepts. By using humour, colour and energy in his work, he wishes to inspire joy, imagination and hope.
Robin also has collaborated with Kazzum on their training programs, working to add different channels of communication using illustrations, animations and visualisations.
More about Robin: www.robinlaneroberts.com
Jack Pryor
Jack Pryor is a creative facilitator who uses drama, sport and story-making in educational settings to encourage learning, growth and understanding within marginalised communities.
He has experience of working in a variety of settings including prisons, care homes, pupil referral units, hospices, hospitals, schools, youth clubs, skate parks, football pitches, parks and high streets.
He is the Co-founder of The Fayre Players, a touring children’s theatre company that brings storytelling to unexpected places using Lego and a VW campervan. This has led him into delivering Lego workshops in schools, then training in Lego therapy, and more recently Play Therapy at Roehampton University. Jack is from London and studied Drama and theatre first at the Brit school and then Goldsmiths University, where he did BA in Theatre and performance majoring in applied theatre.
Jack is delighted to become an associate artist for Kazzum and a permanent member of the community. He shares the dedication, care and ethics behind Kazzum’s work.
Paul Andrew
Paul is a Storyteller/Creative facilitator based in East London who trained at East15 Drama School and graduated with a BA Hons in Community Theatre. He has various experience working with young children of all abilities, disabilities, and backgrounds, as well as ESOL speakers. He has used a variety of skills from drama, music, and storytelling to encourage, build confidence and create a sense of self belonging in people.
Paul holds an extensive skill set, including puppetry, circus, stage combat, storytelling, African drumming, directing, and devising as well as voice and movement training.
He has been fortunate enough to be able to work on projects in youth arts sectors with London Bubble, Mousetrap Theatre, Kazzum Arts, Eastside Educational Trust, Tender, Stratford Theatre Royal and Emergency Exit Arts.
He is passionate about finding ways to make learning accessible and creative for all.
Joseph Junkere
Joseph is an experienced Drama and Dance Workshop Practitioner. Outside of Kazzum he is also a Youth Academy Manager at The Collective Acting Studio and he is currently working for the Disney Theatrical Group on their Disney Musicals in Schools programme.
He completed an Undergraduate Course in Drama and Applied Theatre and Education at Central School of Speech and Drama in 2019.
Joseph has over 7 years’ experience as actor, dancer and workshop facilitator, and at Kazzum Arts he is currently teaching Afrobeats Dance and Drama to young children. He hopes to make a change to the way that society understands trauma and improve trauma awareness worldwide.
Maz Koshika
Previously a teacher, Maz is now a creative facilitator, organiser, and performer. They often use participatory arts as a way to connect communities with social and climate justice issues, with a particular interest in creative forms of resistance and nurturing community care and wellbeing. They’ve worked on a wide range of topics from an intergenerational women’s project exploring art and activism, to leading projects and consultations on domestic abuse prevention and sex education.
Maz has worked for a variety of different organisations and community groups including: Clowns Without Borders, The Advocacy Academy, Emergency Exit Arts, Tender, Everyone's Invited, Magic Me, and Haringey Shed, and has worked on the BUILD and PATHWAYS programmes with Kazzum.
They hope to see more organisations use a trauma-informed approach in their practice, and are excited to help continue the brilliant work at Kazzum Arts as an associate artist!