Claire Irving
Director
Claire travelled around Britain and Europe for 20 years as a performer, director and designer within the performance art scene, before settling in Leeds.
Claire now lives in the People’s Republic of Harehills, where she was Director of Shine from 2008-10. She has also been influential within the city’s visual arts scene, as co-founder, in 1999, and inaugural Chair of Leeds Visual Arts Forum, and as a Board member of East Street Arts from 1997-2009, including as Chair from 1999-2009.
Claire is passionate about working with communities, and has worked with various groups, through theatre, visual art, food or music, for over 25 years. Throughout this time she has encountered a plethora of talents, nuances, passions and wonderful shared stories which have allowed her to co-create community situations that are by the people, for the people, with the people. Along the journey one thing always stands out for Claire: conversation. She believes it is the key to unlocking community. That, and a good cup of tea.
Paul Harker
Communications Director
Paul is a creative marketing professional with over 25 year’s experience, and an award winning screenwriter. He was behind the original branding and marketing for The Tetley centre for contemporary art and learning on its opening in November 2013.
Paul has worked for a range of corporate and cultural clients including Virgin Health Bank, Bentley Motors, and was formerly the Creative Director for McCann Erickson Leeds.
Paul has been a visiting lecturer at Leeds University, teaching screenwriting on the BA (Hons) Film, Photography and Media course and is also the screenwriting mentor at the Oakwood Film Academy.