Bio
Born London 1967, grew up in Ipswich. Initially trained as a fine art painter - foundation at Salford Technical College, degree at Brighton Polytechnic. Began making live performance and installations publicly in 1989. Across the next 30 years, created an extensive body of experimental work around the world, informed by social activism, counter culture and sexual politics. Taught and lectured widely at colleges across the UK, and toured internationally as an artist, curator, workshop facilitator and key note speaker. Also worked as a guest performer for the Edward Lam Company, The Featherstonehaughs, Gay Sweatshop, The Handsome Foundation and as a composer for dancer and writer Carolyn Roy.
Created the SPILL Festival of Performance in 2007, as an artist-led tactic to present and contextualise types of live performance and experimental practices which then struggled for visibility in the UK. Curated 10 large scale international SPILL Festivals (2007-2021), commissioning and presenting work by some of the world's foremost experimental live makers, shown with parity alongside work by early makers. In 2010, relocated SPILL Festival and Pacitti Company from London to Ipswich and in 2012 established the Think Tank - a site for applied arts research, diverse rolling events and community action. In 2021, renamed Pacitti Company 'SPILL' and left the organisation, creating space for new leadership at the festival and Think Tank, and redirecting attention to own artistic practice.
Commissions include Arnolfini (Bristol), Barclay's New Stages (London), Chisenhale (London), ICA (London), Klapstuk (Leuven), Showroom Gallery (London), and Tramway (Glasgow). Awards include: Ambition For Excellence (Arts Council England, 2018-2021), Regularly Funded Organisation and National Portfolio Organisation funding (Arts Council England, 2001-2021), Best Marketing Award for SPILL Festival (Norfolk + Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018), Hospital Club 100 (2013), and Artists Taking The Lead for the East of England (Arts Council England & London 2012).
Now works independently with sound, text, ritual, image and object making; is one half of the Rough Band, collaborating with the artist O, and one half of Two Churches, collaborating with Australian artist and musician Sweeney.
Created the SPILL Festival of Performance in 2007, as an artist-led tactic to present and contextualise types of live performance and experimental practices which then struggled for visibility in the UK. Curated 10 large scale international SPILL Festivals (2007-2021), commissioning and presenting work by some of the world's foremost experimental live makers, shown with parity alongside work by early makers. In 2010, relocated SPILL Festival and Pacitti Company from London to Ipswich and in 2012 established the Think Tank - a site for applied arts research, diverse rolling events and community action. In 2021, renamed Pacitti Company 'SPILL' and left the organisation, creating space for new leadership at the festival and Think Tank, and redirecting attention to own artistic practice.
Commissions include Arnolfini (Bristol), Barclay's New Stages (London), Chisenhale (London), ICA (London), Klapstuk (Leuven), Showroom Gallery (London), and Tramway (Glasgow). Awards include: Ambition For Excellence (Arts Council England, 2018-2021), Regularly Funded Organisation and National Portfolio Organisation funding (Arts Council England, 2001-2021), Best Marketing Award for SPILL Festival (Norfolk + Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018), Hospital Club 100 (2013), and Artists Taking The Lead for the East of England (Arts Council England & London 2012).
Now works independently with sound, text, ritual, image and object making; is one half of the Rough Band, collaborating with the artist O, and one half of Two Churches, collaborating with Australian artist and musician Sweeney.