When Jodie Barnacle-Best first joined The Stove as a Creative Spaces Associate in 2021, she was just beginning to carve her path in community arts. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s stepping into a major leadership role as Vice Chair of the organisation.
We caught up with Jodie to talk about what this appointment means to her, what she’s most excited about, and how she hopes to shape the future of The Stove with collaboration, care, and creativity at its heart.
Congratulations on your new role! It’s really exciting to see you step into this position, especially as a Creative Spaces Alumni. What inspired you to take on the role of Vice Chair at The Stove?
Thank you! I’ve had the pleasure of sitting on The Stove board since May 2022 and before then was a Creative Spaces associate between 2021-22. The Stove has been such a constant in my career in community arts practice – it really has seen me through a journey of skill, experience and confidence building! As well as being on a journey myself, I feel I have been privy to the growth of The Stove as an organisation. It has been wonderful engaging with and supporting the team over the last 3 years as a board member. I enjoy all things governance and the considerations that go into overseeing strategy, structure, vision and values and it has always been a joy to navigate these topics collectively.
Through my roles in arts organisations in the Central Belt I’ve become used to working closely with other boards as a team member. This role reversal gives me an insight into how Trustees can most effectively support the team and the wider organisation. I’m now in a position with my own career where I feel I have the insight, expertise and capacity to commit even further through my new role as Vice Chair. Playing my small part at The Stove has always been such an honour that I knew I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to contribute even further.
It’s truly inspiring to see a board led by two optimistic and encouraging women. How do you see yourself and Lynsey working together as Chair and Vice Chair in the months ahead?
Lynsey and I started on The Stove board at around similar times, so I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her personally and working alongside her for a few years. Lynsey’s approach as Chair over the last year has really inspired and encouraged me to step out and put myself forward as Vice Chair. She leads by listening, encouraging others, is always willing to reflect and adapt and has an epic amount of experience under her belt (so she gives great advice). Not only do I feel we have a shared vision for The Stove, I believe, more importantly, we have shared ideas surrounding process and principles. We both strongly believe in the importance of putting people first.
Undoubtedly, we will work closely together, sharing and supporting each other to fulfil our potential in these roles. While we have many similarities, I’m excited by how our different approaches, experiences and perspectives will be of use to The Stove!
You’re just beginning this journey, but do you have any key aims or priorities you’d like to focus on as Vice Chair in the coming months and years?
It is an incredible time to become Vice Chair as we look to a change in leadership in the next few months. Alongside the rest of the board and the Stove team, I’ll be focused on ensuring this transition is as smooth as possible. While change can be daunting, it brings with it immense opportunities which I am excited to help The Stove make the most of.
Adding to this immediate focus, I am interested in exploring ways to make being a board member more accessible to a variety of people. I am particularly keen to further develop relationships in the region and find exciting and meaningful ways to bring greater local resident and youth representation into Stove governance and decision making.
As the youngest member of the board in its current iteration, are there any particular messages, objectives, or initiatives you’re passionate about championing—especially for young people in the region?
I am really proud of being a young board member, having joined the board at 24 years old and now being 27. It is unusual to see youth representation on boards and I am passionate about considering how more youth voices can be heard at a strategic level. Boards aren’t often appealing to young people and there are often considerable barriers to entry. I’ve always enjoyed my time on the board and felt welcome and empowered within my role. I am keen to develop pathways and support mechanisms within governance structures within The Stove to increase youth engagement at this decision-making level.
I am in awe of the incredible creative work undertaken by young people in the region – it truly is a fantastic community of exciting, innovative and driven creative talent covering visual arts, theatre, music, creative facilitation and production and more! Creative Spaces Producer Mia Osborne continues to create enormous impact through her roles across the region and I look forward to amplifying and championing all the work of the Creative Spaces team.
I am always open to talking further about any Stove related topics, but am particularly always open to chatting about opportunities and thoughts regarding creative practice when it comes to young people in the region – please do reach out!
For those who may not be familiar with The Stove, how do you describe its impact and importance to Dumfries?
In my conversations across Scotland, it is not often that I am asked to describe the impact and importance of The Stove as the work by the incredible team is already widely well recognised and respected. However, I am always delighted to amplify this when I have the chance! I am very proud of the national and international impact of The Stove leading the way as a model of good practice in creative placemaking and cultural community strategy amongst many other things.
On a local level, The Stove’s venue programme is extensive, varied and inspiring. It brings life and light to Dumfries High St and provides an incredible opportunity for people in the region to get creative and to get together. On a personal level, The Stove has had an immense influence on my creative journey as a part of the team and now a part of the board. It is a great nurturing environment and has set a high bar in how I expect to feel as part of an organisation!
Jodie’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for The Stove, with a major leadership transition just around the corner. We’re delighted to work alongside her as we continue to shape a vibrant, collaborative future for The Stove and the wider region.
