Graduate Spotlight: Want to Learn More About Our Former Associates?
Since Creative Spaces began in 2021, we have had the pleasure of working with a diverse group of talented creatives graduate from the Creative Spaces Programme. Here’s a list of Associate Programme graduates:
Past Producers and Associates
Jenna Macrory | Producer | 2021–2022
With a background in traditional music, Dumfries-born guitarist Jenna Macrory (Jen Mac) was forced to adapt to a completely new music industry due to Covid-19 restrictions. Finding a new focus as an electronic music producer, Jen Mac uses sampling to create gritty textures while drawing attention to social and cultural issues such as environmental and LGBTQ+ concerns. Her unique approach to manipulating sampled materials contributes to a genre-subverting tone. By applying contemporary studio practices to traditional melodies, Jen Mac combines her studio skills with her folk music background. Through contemporary recording methods, she revitalizes Scottish folk music for a new generation.
Jodie Barnacle-Best | Associate | 2021–2022
Jodie Barnacle-Best is a creative projects facilitator based in Glasgow’s Southside. Since completing her MA at the Glasgow School of Art in 2021 and the Creative Spaces Programme in 2022, Jodie has pursued a career that combines her two passions: creativity and community. She has experience working in community arts settings in Dumfries and Galloway, Renfrewshire, and Edinburgh. Additionally, she serves on the board of The Stove Network and the advisory board for Craft Scotland. Currently, Jodie works as a Communities Programme Assistant for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, while also engaging in multiple freelance projects that support and amplify artists in the Central Belt.
Leanne Bradwick | Associate | 2021–2022
Leanne is a travelling jewellery artist, who crafts narrative jewellery in her self-converted van, which she calls home. She studied jewellery and silversmithing at university from 2014 to 2017, and subsequently worked in Birmingham’s renowned Jewellery Quarter.
Now based in Dumfries and Galloway, Leanne has embarked on her own practice, narrating folklore stories through silver coin pendants. She plans to sell these unique pieces alongside little books to keep the tales alive.
Since completing the Creative Spaces Associates programme, Leanne has joined The Stove Network’s community event production team. Often the friendly face you’ll meet at events, her role is to ensure everyone has the best time possible. Leanne also works in production for larger events such as the Nithraid River Festival and the Wild Goose Festival, assisting The Stove Network’s Production Manager, Sal Cuddihy, in planning and building these events to bring something different every year.
Rachel Shnapp | Associate | 2021–2022
Rachel is a director and filmmaker who creates works across a variety of genres. In her practice, she aims to get as close as possible to subversive or hidden narratives: creating stylish, socially engaged films that tell lesser-known stories.
During her tenure at the Creative Spaces Associates programme, Rachel highlighted the supportive environment that allowed her to grow as an artist. The programme offered her valuable resources, mentorship, and a community of like-minded individuals. This experience not only enhanced her artistic skills, but also deepened her understanding of the social impact of art. Rachel’s involvement in Creative Spaces empowered her to create meaningful work that addresses social issues and engages the wider community.
Emma Forsyth | Associate | 2022–2023
After finishing her Theatre Studies degree in Glasgow, Emma spent the following year working in theatres in the city. Through this, she rediscovered her passion for rural creativity and was so excited to return home to Dumfries & Galloway to experiment and learn from everyone at The Stove Network.
Interested in the skill sharing and knowledge that could be spread through creativity, Emma wanted to discover the potential of this in our region.
Her aim for the year was to refine her practice, while entertaining and learning in the communities she called home. The best pieces Emma had seen were done by groups that truly resonated with their work, so she was delighted to be working with the Creative Spaces team to make a difference in her own and others’ lives.
Image Credit: Kirstin McEwan Photography
Alice Griffin | Associate | 2022–2023
Before joining the Creative Spaces Associates programme, Alice had studied Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art and, after graduating in 2018, she worked as a studio technician and then as a print studio co-worker at a Camphill community. She moved to Dumfries in late 2021 and, alongside her work with The Stove Network, she worked part-time as a gallery technician.
During her time with the Associates programme, she aimed to create work that was playful and questioning, using various printmaking and digital techniques to achieve this, and she enjoyed working alongside other people on projects and workshops.
Currently, Alice is a designer based in Dumfries and has had experience working on a wide range of projects, from designing reports to running printmaking workshops and all the fun stuff in between.
Image Credit: Kirstin McEwan Photography
Morgan Love | Associate | 2022–2023
With a massive root system in the local region, being involved with the development and progression of the town has become a big part of Morgan’s future plans. She began her relationship with The Stove Network five years ago by attending Brave New Words and has been a huge supporter of the vision that The Stove Network aims to achieve ever since.
As an Associate for the Creative Spaces programme, Morgan believed there was a great opportunity to get to the heart of what the Network aimed to do, while having a great source of support and an opportunity to expand skills – especially as someone approaching the role without a specific creative practice. Within the role, she hoped to explore her passion for the development of the local and wider region, as well as aimed to engage with young people to explore what could be done to make Dumfries a viable place to have a career in the creative industries.
She also worked in The Stove Cafe, which provided a great opportunity to interact with people who were interested in getting involved with what The Stove Network had to offer through the events held in the building, as well as engaging in conversation with their existing members.
Sahar El-Hady | Associate | 2023-2024
Sahar is an actor, performing artist, and facilitator. She has been based in Bristol, London, Melbourne, and Dumfries since 2021. She is an ensemble member of the Performance Collective Stranraer (PCS), attended the PCS Development Lab #7, and contributed to the research and development for their new show.
Sahar was one of the three Creative Spaces Associates for 2023-2024 and is currently working as a Youth & Engagement Coordinator with Upland and a facilitator at the Guild of Players Youth Theatre. The best way to reach her is on Instagram at @sahartherox.
Image Credit: Andrew Fuller
Martha Ferguson | Associate | 2023-2024
Originally studying Art History at university and starting her career in law, Martha had returned to Dumfries to pursue a new direction in production design.
She was excited to be involved in collaborative work and to bring a fresh perspective to projects that encouraged young people to explore their creativity and to feel more connected to their community.
Through the Creative Spaces Associates programme, Martha hoped to learn more about her own practice and to become a supportive catalyst for change in the region.
Korey Patterson | Associate | 2023-2024
Korey is a self-taught freelance illustrator working in Scotland, with experience in live illustration. Korey enjoys drawing people, creating humorous comics, designing cool characters, and producing artworks for commercial purposes. His work has led to collaborations with organisations such as the Holywood Trust and Old School Thornhill, while also developing a series of Robert the Bruce comics.
Before joining the Creative Spaces Associates programme, Korey had played his hand in many creative events and projects in town, including working with DMC and D-Lux. He was eager to make a difference and exert his influence in Dumfries in any way, shape, or form.
Korey said this about working in the rural creative sector, “Being a part of any of the creative events in town is always fun and makes you realise the potential Dumfries and similar towns and counties have.”
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