AFW · FreelanceCreative Director & Cultural Strategist – Sustainability, Design, Research & Public Engagement
Jan. 2020InternationalLeads the development of participatory installations, cultural programs and public engagement strategies by combining design research with curatorial vision. Experienced in translating complex ideas into accessible experiences that foster dialogue, inclusivity and community connection, while working toward collective solutions to sustainability challenges. - Led inclusive design and research for international cultural and academic projects, including neurodivergent-informed furniture for Zachęta National Gallery (2024) and an emotional engagement space for youth art at Van Abbemuseum (2023). - Secured and managed major public funding: - $100K British Council Creative DNA (2025) – Strategic advisor for Zimbabwean fashion brands; developed a successful funding vision aligned with Council priorities. - £80K Innovate UK (2024) – R&D Lead for A State of Nature’s textile repair platform; led application, research design, impact metrics, and partner coordination across UK and Germany. - €10K EU WORTH Grant (2022) – Directed international R&D sprint on narrative-driven tech design with teams in Slovakia, Germany, and the UK. - £8K British Council Crafting Futures (2022) – Co-led digital collaboration on decolonial design with Indian artisans and UK creatives; led inclusive research and tool development. - Created and facilitated participatory learning environments (e.g., MODUAL with UAL, GSA, Somerset House + Kickstarter), and mentored independent learners via Make Your Own Masters (MYOM). - Presented original research at DRHA 2022 on culturally inclusive design, and co-authored a chapter on sustainable fashion/crafts policy in Responsible Consumption and Production in the Cultural & Creative Industries (Routledge, 2025).