Core Staff Team

Julian Dunn - Funding and Development Manager

A disappointment to both parents as Julian didn't follow them into the teaching profession. Julian's work experience in participatory art goes back thirty years. A 'come and do it somewhere different' urge moved him from Birmingham to Blackburn in 1985 as the first full time employee of an unincorporated association of good people in youth and community work.

"I can honestly say that I enjoy each and every day of my working life and whilst this sector of the arts economy is lower paid than the above average opera singer, our contact with the real world is far greater."

Cath Ford - Company Manager

Cath studied fine art at Newcastle University followed by an illustrious career as a biscuit maker at Jacob's in Aintree, Liverpool. After spending her spare time volunteering with groups Cath gained a place on a course at the Centre for Arts Development Training in Liverpool. Cath undertook a 3 month work placement at Action Factory in 1990 and has been with the company ever since! Cath has mostly worked using visual and celebratory art with groups, particularly in issue based work and more recently with emerging artists and volunteers. Cath has been Company Manager since November 2004 with particular responsibility for learning and support.

"This has given me the opportunity to develop this area of work in the company, and I still gt the opportunity to do the occasional session or project which keeps me happy!"

Thea Monk - Marketing Co-ordinator / Volunteer Co-ordinator / Administrator

Thea began working for the company as Administrator whilst studying marketing part time at college and has now taken on the role of Marketing Co-ordinator. Thea is based full time in the office and is the first port of call for many people contacting Action Factory.

Since a successful funding bid Thea has also started to develop volunteer opportunities at Action Factory.

"Having previously worked in recruitment, coming to work at Action Factory was a big change and challenge for me. It has taken about 2 years but I think I know what Action Factory is about now! I learn something every day which keeps my job very interesting."

Lucy Jones - Arts Development Worker

Lucy studied Three Dimensional Design at Manchester Metropolitan University. After doing the ususal unfulfilling jobs she discovered community arts and Action Factory. Since then she has been working as a freelance artist for over three years and has recently taken on Kerith's maternity cover post. Lucy works mostly on large public art projects such as murals and scultures. She is currently developing her project management skills.

"Because I have trained as a designer I enjoy fulfilling briefs and working to strict deadlines. Community arts is a challenge and a great opportunity to develop new skills."