Anne Brierley - visual arts
She has worked extensively in schools across all age ranges and settings - primary, secondary, special and PRU's addressing a wide range of topics. She is, in addition, currently an associate lecturer in fine art and visual studies. As an artist she has had exhibitions both in this country and worldwide including Israel, Melbourne, as well as at the V & A in London.
Brian Lammas - visual arts
His is also a practicing artist and is working towards a solo exhibition later this year.
Lee Benson - photography, exhibition curator
Lee Benson has been a children's author, which is about making young people think. Lee wrote the single for Coventry City football club when they won the cup in 1987. With over 30 years working within the arts as a musician and now owner / curator at No. 9 Gallery with an annual turnover of £5,000,000. His ability for working closely with both the public and private sectors has produced a strong reputation for discovering and supporting new talent from the region.
He is an accomplished photographer and has undertaken many exhibitions, including the "Observationists", which investigates visual aspects of Birmingham from a totally different and reflective viewpoint.
He has worked on behalf of UK Trade and Investment promoting the UK arts' industry between New York and Los Angeles art markets. He is currently successfully selling the works of the UK's most famous living artists including Ralph Brown, and Ronnie Woods of the Rolling Stones.
Matt Windle - written word
Matt Windle is a former Birmingham Young Poet Laureate. He is part of the Northfield Poets. Although Matt works with a wide age range, he works extensively in schools developing the writing skills at all levels. He is also an energetic and engaging performance poet who brings poetry to life. This energy is no doubt derived from the fact that he is an accomplished amateur boxer of national repute!
Kokumo - Poet
Kokumo is a citizen and artisan from Jamaica whose debut album “Writing’s On The Wall” may well be the finest recording in the dub poetry vain for many a decade. Kokumo’s delivery will obviously draw comparisons to Mutabaruka but there is an originality of style that will appeal to audiences worldwide.
Described as not just an artist but also a cultural anthropologist and dub-griot, Kokumo uses his skills as a singer/songwriter and a dub-poet to capture his audience, whilst taking them on a cultural, spiritual and political journey.
He is considered a man on a mission, which has taken him to places like Brazil, America and Africa.