My name is Cath Ford and I am a community artist, creative producer, illustrator and maker based in Blackburn and working across the North West.
Over the past 30 years I have worked in partnership with individuals and communities on creative projects which encourage expression, collaboration and learning. Between 1992 and 2010 I was part of the team at Action Factory Community Arts in Blackburn, spending 6 years as Company Manager before becoming freelance.
As a freelancer I am able to take on a diverse range of projects as a facilitator, maker, illustrator and project manager. It is incredibly important to me to play an active role in my community, making a difference to the world through the things I create individually and collaboratively, through the projects I manage and in my relationships with the people I work alongside.
I love to make stuff with people and I believe that through making together we can create places where confidence, friendships and community can flourish.
Cath’s caring nature coupled with her organisation skills enables her to deliver community engagement activities that develop trust quickly and are accessible and welcoming to all. Cath understands that a creative process can facilitate conversations that otherwise may not take place, however doesn’t overcomplicate the process, she let’s it happen organically. That way the community do not fear the creative ideas that come from these conversations instead take ownership and help make them happen.
The skill is being able to facilate without it feeling contrived, and Cath is incredibly good at this, and put’s in a lot of hard work behind the scenes to make it happen.
Cath is reliable, caring and creative and always a pleasure to work with.
Helen Jones, former Cultural Services Manager, Burnley Leisure
I also work as an illustrator, predominantly on community publications.
If you would like to talk to me about a project, sessions or an idea you can email me on cathaford@gmail.com or message me on facebook @CathInTheAttic or call 07584 261523
Cath in the Attic 