Projects
Ben is a highly skilled and experienced facilitator, director, host, producer and project manager.
As a facilitator and director he has worked with some of the leading arts and cultural organisations in the UK, coordinating and delivering workshops and projects in a wide range of settings with people of all ages and backgrounds.
As a project manager and producer he has created and managed participatory projects and workshops across the UK. He has also produced and delivered professional shows, tours and workshops in the UK, Europe, Australia and Japan.
EDUCATION
Ben has over a decade's experience creating and delivering workshops in spoken word, drama, creative writing and music. He is an alumni of Curious Minds' CASE (Culture & Arts Specialists in Education) Fellowship, through which he has developed a solid understanding of educational theory, policy and practice across a range of settings.
He has worked extensively with organisations including Apples & Snakes, Contact, The Lowry, First Story, Royal Exchange Theatre, HOME, Manchester Literature Festival, Shakespeare Schools Festival, Curious Minds, People's History Museum, to deliver workshops and projects in theatres, youth clubs, schools, colleges, universities, secure units and prisons.
From 2016 - 2021 he was the Youth Theatre Director at Collective Encounters, a Liverpool-based theatre for social change company, where he created, managed, facilitated and directed workshops, projects and productions with young people from across Merseyside in both formal and non-formal education settings.
Ben has worked with people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences and can tailor his teaching to any needs or access requirements. He is a trained Arts Award adviser at all levels, Discover through to Gold, and has received regular safeguarding training (including being the designated safeguarding lead at Collective Encounters for six years). He is also trained in first aid and mental health first aid, and has completed various mental health and disability
awareness courses.
He has a full enhanced DBS certificate, a full driving licence with own car and has public liability insurance up to £10m.
Project Management
Ben has self-produced a number of theatrical productions and tours in the UK, Europe, Australia and Japan, funded by Arts Council England, the British Council and other organisations.
He has created and delivered numerous participatory projects with a wide range of organisations in the UK and Europe and has completed project management training with the Consortium for Participatory Arts Learning.
Ben is a trained Arts Emergency mentor, and has acted as a mentor producer enabling emerging artists to successfully raise funds and manage their own projects.
Testimonials
“Ben finds a unique and natural way to engage with young people, giving them a platform to learn and have new experiences and also give them a sense of leadership and power sharing that is really special.” - Danny Fahey, Thirty Pound Gentleman
"I thought Ben was excellent in explaining his poetry to Year 8. He kept the childrens’ interest and attention throughout his performance." - Julie Benson, Derby High School, Bury.
"All of us – the WoW staff, the school staff and the pupils enjoyed a friendly day of first class creativity, and were inspired by how many young people went from workshop to performance in a matter of a couple of hours." - Mike Morris, Writing On The Wall Festival
"It's given me more confidence in my self and my writing because people liked my poem." - Participant from Heritage Lottery Fund workshop, Manchester
"My favourite thing about the workshop was the fact that I couldn’t find a favourite! Being able to hear and experience the creativity and the power that poetry has was enjoyable and something I’ll take away with me." - 6th Form student from Arthur Mellows College, Peterborough