ABOUT US

HEADS is a community arts organisation, initiating visual and performing arts, digital media and creative writing projects across Calderdale.  HEADS was formed in 1999, and since then has been working with professional artists providing arts workshops for individuals, schools and groups, many of whom would not normally participate in creative arts activities.

HEADS aims are

• to strengthen participants’ practical creative skills.
• to raise confidence and self esteem through positive artistic experiences.
• to facilitate links between practising artists and groups, thereby supporting the artist community.
• to bring together people of different ages, abilities, backgrounds and ethnic origins, to promote community cohesion and greater cultural understanding.
• to present participants creative work in a professional way

History

Co-founded by Poet and Painter, John Lyons www.johnlyons.org and Playwright and Director, Jean Rees, HEADS (Hourglass Educational Arts Development Services) achieved charity status in 1999. This enabled the development of educational arts activities to complement the Hourglass Studio Gallery’s exhibitions programme.

In June 2003 HEADS was awarded funding from Arts Council England, Yorkshire, which enabled the organisation to make the transition from being led by full time volunteers to being managed by paid employees.
        
HEADS is now managed by a Board of Trustees and two part time employees and focuses solely on Community Arts Projects.

Mel Rix  

Operations and Finance Manager

Mel has worked as an arts administrator for 16 years, specialising in general and financial management.  She currently works part time for HEADS and IOU theatre.  Prior to this she has worked for East Street Arts, the Lowry, the Hallé Orchestra and the Bridgewater Hall.  She has a passion for gardening.

Arts Projects Manager

Jude is a visual artist with a background in dance and photography.  She has freelanced as a community artist for 7 years and started project management in 2002.  Prior to this she taught art, dance and textiles in secondary schools in England and Botswana.

In July 2006 we moved to our new office only premises with Northlight Art Studios, just next door to The Hourglass Studio Gallery. We are now on the ground floor with disabled access.