Cathy, what is your role within Lichfield Arts, and what does it involve?

I am the Fuse Festival Director and producer, overseeing everything from programming and logistics to fundraising and leading our small (and fantastic!) team to bring the festival to life. Alongside Fuse, I support Lichfield Arts as part of the operations team, drawing on experience from working on national projects. I also help deliver our Emerging Talent programme, which supports the next generation of creatives. As one of two safeguarding leads for the charity, I’m committed to making sure Lichfield Arts is a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

What inspired you to get involved with Lichfield Arts?

I first got involved with Lichfield Arts through Fuse Festival in 2016. I was drawn to the project because of its inclusive spirit—bringing people together from all walks of life to celebrate creativity, community, and culture. It felt like a space where everyone was welcome, and I knew I wanted to be part of that.

What is your background or professional experience in the arts or community work?

I’m a full-time freelance producer working nationally on a wide variety of creative and cultural projects. My experience ranges from delivering large-scale events to smaller community activations, always with a strong focus on inclusive engagement and meaningful impact. I specialise in developing and managing creative briefs alongside stakeholders, partners, and funders, and I’m passionate about building connections with local communities. I also provide consultancy for organisations across the UK looking to embed cultural strategy into their work—whether that’s through diversifying audiences, enhancing visitor experience, or deepening community engagement.

What do you enjoy most about being part of Lichfield Arts?

What I enjoy most about being part of Lichfield Arts is working with a committed, supportive team who care about what they do. There’s a strong sense of purpose and collaboration, and it’s great to be part of something that genuinely contributes to the local community.

What are you most proud of contributing to Lichfield Arts?

I’m proud to have helped shape Fuse Festival over the years, guiding its growth and development into the vibrant, inclusive event it is today. It’s been rewarding to see how it continues to evolve and connect with the community.

What excites you most about the future of Lichfield Arts?

I’m most excited about the opportunities Lichfield Arts is creating to support emerging talent and engage young people. It’s inspiring to see the organisation focusing on nurturing the next generation of creatives and providing spaces where they can learn, grow, and contribute to the arts. I’m looking forward to seeing how these initiatives help shape a vibrant and inclusive future for the local arts community.

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