What is Kingswood Arts?
Kingswood Arts is a new not-for-profit arts centre and cultural hub, designed to support its local community through creativity. Located in a stunning 32 room mansion, we offer a range of free and affordable activities, events and performances for young people and families, involving music, drama, dance and visual arts.
We aim to support and give voices to marginalised communities and those who face barriers to accessing arts and culture. Our programme is and always will be co-created with our local community, relevant, affordable and accessible.
MEET OUR TEAM
Bethany Slater
Our friendly northern lass in charge of Marketing and Socials.
Likely to be running about and forcing her colleagues into filming content but always up for a natter about film, dancing and is the main reason there are hula hoops in the cafe ;)
Dickson Piri
The friendliest Front of House Manager you'll meet!
Dickson will likely be the face you'll see at your events and it's the person you'll want there! He loves meeting new people and talking about his favourite cocktails to make!
Guillaume Doré
Our marvellous Wedding, Events and Sales Manager.
Guillaume is a big fan of music, playing in a fab band himself and loves to talk all things food!
Heather Young
Our brilliant Finance Manager.
Heather is a whizz at everything (no exaggeration). As well as this she knows all things theatre and loves a park run so get chatting (and maybe running!)
Jack Hartshorn
Our wonderful and hardworking CEO and Artistic Director
Jack is a northerner with great chat and a big heart, you can definitely get him talking about his adorable little lad, music and his love for Manchester City!
Jennifer Mami
Our lovely Kingswood Cafe Manager.
Come and visit Jen in our cafe, she's always got a smiling face, especially talking about her gorgeous son and her favourite music!
Lita Oburoh
Our amazing "big kid" Youth and Engagement Officer.
Lita LOVES cake, bring her a vanilla cake slice and talk about changing the world through the perspective of her kids here at Kingswood and you'll have her heart!
Liam Shea
Our joyous Programme and Participation Manager.
He is a brilliant new addition to our team who in his spare time he likes to hang out with his dog Bungle, dance and sing in the shower and write his own plays! Say hello when you see him, he's a bundle of wonderful energy with a fab smile!
Lucia Stassi
Our fantastic Wedding and Events Coordinator!
Lucia is a self proclaimed foodie who loves to make Tiramisu! As well as helping you to organise the best event possible she will chat about all things keeping fit and yoga with a lovely smile on her face!
Jo Fazzani
Our ray of sunshine Jo is our lovely new Reception and Adminstration officer.
You'll find her in our reception and she will endeavour to help you find your way in the building! If you want to treat her she's particularly a fan of walkers salt and vinegar squares and will chat all about her adorable daughter!
Martin Bamidele
The most helpful and brill Building and Facilities Manager.
Catch him in the community garden and chat his ear off about cooking and planting!
Our Kingswood Arts Team- Core and Casual staff members- Jan 2025
Our Kingswood Arts Programme Facilitators - Jan 2025
Our Community
We are community hub and resource for the people living on the Kingswood Estate and surrounding areas. We've worked closely with residents, local groups and the council to develop a model where Kingswood will be accessible for all whilst still generating enough income to support the significant running costs & maintenance of the house.
Most of our community activities are free, especially those aimed at young people. We will also run a year round programme of community events celebrating the best in local talent that will always be open, accessible and affordable (or free!).
All of this is guided by a steering group made up of key stakeholders including representatives from the residents, local schools, political representation and crucially, young people.
We would love to hear from local residents, parents and anyone with an interest in the future of Kingswood House!