About Me

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I’m an artist, creative facilitator and play activator, based in Sheffield, working all around the North and further afield.

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Highlights of my career include: designing and making playful sensory resources for community settings, creating and installing an art installation for babies, creating sensory experiences for children and adults living with PMLD, providing play consultancy for local councils and children's centres, delivering a variety of creative art workshops across all ages, delivering training in early years based creativity, making sensory based decor for a local festival. 

 

My sculptural practice uses everyday found objects to create installations that ignite play. I play and exercise in world-building by reframing materials that we collect, treasure, discard, reuse, frame or hide. I empower people with the skills and ways of thinking to imagine the potential of every material being able to live as an artwork, from; spontaneous construction, collaborative drawings, sensory resources and learning.

 

I specialise in creating play opportunities for; young children, vulnerable people, neurodivergent people and cross-cultural Global Majority communities. My specialism is working with early years and those living with additional needs. 

 

My approach is tailored to each individual or group that I work with. I remove as many barriers to access as possible to ensure everyone has an equal and empowering experience. Everyone has the right to play without fear. I prioritise hands-on, collaborative, sensory and alternative approaches that are led by strengths and guarantees increased wellbeing and creative confidence.

Artsmark Partner - View Profile
I am proud to be working in partnership with schools and settings on their Artsmark Award journey. By supporting Artsmark settings, we’re helping put the arts at the heart of education, inspiring young people to create, experience and participate in high quality arts and culture.
Find out more about Artsmark at www.artsmark.org.uk

Create Sheffield Partner - View Profile
"Create Sheffield are a charitable organisation set up to take the young people of Sheffield on a journey into the arts, culture and heritage sectors. From creative learning opportunities to fun things to do – we’re here to benefit the lives of all those aged 0-24."

As a Create Sheffield Partner I work with schools with Sheffield, delivering creative art workshops and projects.

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CV

Freelance Artist, Creative Facilitator and Play Activator, Various projects (2018 - Present)

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Play Artist, Playful Anywhere (May '24 - Present)

 

Artist and Resource Developer, Clifton Park Museum and Heritage Sites, Rotherham (January '24 - Present)

 

Artist, Tetley Associate Artists Programme, Leeds (March '23 - February '24)

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Artist and Family Workshop Facilitator, York Museums Trust (December '22 - Present)

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Artist, Resource Developer and Workshop Deliverer, Leeds 2023 (October '22 - November '23)

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Artist, Left Bank Leeds (August '21 - Present)

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Artist, Pyramid of Arts, Leeds (February '20 - Present)

Artist and Workshop Facilitator, Daylight Stars Project, Kirkgate Market, Leeds (July '19 - August '19)

 

Freelance Artist and Learning Deliverer for Schools and Early Years, Sheffield Museums (January '19 - Present)

Artist, Yorkshire Contemporary (previously The Tetley) Leeds (January '19 - Present)

Volunteer, Pyramid of Arts, Leeds (January '19 - February '20)

Casual Learning Support Facilitator, The Hepworth, Wakefield (June '18 - August '21)

Volunteer, Clay and Stained-Glass Sessions, Crisis Skylight South Yorkshire (November '17 - July '19)

Springboard Programme in Gallery Participation, The Tetley, Leeds (July '17 - December '18)

Volunteer Teaching Assistant and Art-project Facilitator, Rodney House School, Manchester (May - June '16)

Education
2014-2017: BA (Hons) Fine Art (Sculpture), Manchester School Of Art
Awarded First Class Honours

2012-2014: BTEC Level 3 Art and Design (Fine Art, Graphic Design, Textiles, Art History, Ceramics) Halesowen College
Awarded Distinction* Distinction Distinction
 

 

Contact: beatriceleeknowles@gmail.com