My name is Cath Ford and I am a participatory artist and creative practitioner based in Blackburn and working across the North West.

I have worked in participatory arts for over 20 years, primarily as part of the core team at  Action Factory Community Arts in Blackburn and now as a freelance practitioner.

I have extensive experience of participatory arts project development, planning, fundraising, delivery and evaluation.

During the past year I have become particularly inspired by digital art and social networking as tools for connecting and creating. I feel part of a global dialogue and am keen to learn more and engage with inspiring people and ideas.

I am currently re-discovering my own creative practice having focussed on working with others since graduating with a Fine Art Degree from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. I draw, make, work with paper and collage and enjoy photography and digital technologies.

I am a certified NLP practitioner and experienced mentor for emerging artists and am passionate about supporting new talent and combining my creative and people skills.

I work collaboratively with agencies, groups and individuals on creative processes which

• facilitate dialogue and engagement with complex contemporary issues
• contribute to community cohesion, pride and sense of place
• increase engagement in formal education through supporting creative approaches to teaching and learning
• increase access to opportunities for historically excluded and marginalised people
• enable people to express themselves, communicate their ideas, fears and aspirations and grow in confidence
• promote opportunities for curiosity, imagination and risk taking
• provide unexpected experiences, magic moments, new friendships and lots of fun!

I am keen to collaborate on projects and develop ideas, so if you have any questions, would like to chat or have an idea, please contact me.