Overview of Skills & Experience

Creative, hardworking, organised, and a problem solver with an eye for detail, Suzanne is a positive collaborator with a clear drive and ambition to lead projects. Grit, determination, optimism and diligence have all been key strengths Suzanne has drawn upon throughout her career.

Suzanne is passionate about Arts, Culture, Community, Creative Industries, Cafe Culture/Hospitality/Creative Business...She wants to help creative and community-focused businesses and organisations thrive using her knowledge of running companies that instil collaboration, efficiency, creativity and commercialisation into their ethos.

Arts, Culture & Public Engagement

Suzanne has been an Arts Manager/ Curator /Arts Commissioner/Project Manager and Freelance Artist for over 16 years. She developed, managed and delivered arts projects to make a positive difference to individuals and communities via her freelance work and while running the arts company rednile Project Ltd. During her work she has established strong partnerships and maximised external funding. Suzanne also developed strong relationships with the private sector and was contracted by property developers to commission and develop site-specific artwork and community projects as part of their Section 106 agreements. Within projects, Suzanne’s role varied from concept generator, curator, commissioner, lead artist, project manager, consultant, fundraiser and evaluator. Suzanne enjoys motivating and inspiring others and has developed excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills through working alongside partners and the public in various settings. Suzanne believes we have to work with the people who live in the places that we are trying to improve, collaborating with them to create sustainable solutions.

Suzanne has been a Cafe/Business owner and Director of Literally Amazing Limited for 10 years, building The Staiths Cafe from concept to successful business. From identifying and securing the building/location, negotiating the terms, market research, business planning, concept development, designing and building the interior from an empty shell, creating practical and efficient systems and standards, menu development, recruitment, developing and delivering training, managing staff and operations and strategic planning. We pivoted the cafe during COVID-19 thrived with a takeaway/ordering app service and remained open for business for the majority of the pandemic. The Staiths Cafe was created for a community but inturn has created its own community. The cafe has thrived by retaining a core offer whilst evolving certain aspects influenced by its staff, visitors and surrounding community.

Why I became a board member for Creative Heritage Studios CiC

Because I believe in the approach and ethos of CHS and i want to help make a positive difference.