Meet The Team | The Gap

Core Team

Director (Executive) - John Bloomfield

I support the artistic and programming side of the organisation through fundraising, managing operations and finances and looking after the team’s wellbeing and culture.

After living in Birmingham for 3 years, I really wanted to have an active role in a community. The GAP is embedded in multiple communities—residents of Balsall Heath, arts workers in the Old Print Works and arts organisations in the region—which is why I love working here.

I joined the gap in Autumn 2024, after over a decade working closely with artists and developing programmes. Previous to joining The GAP, I was Director (Maternity Cover) at Peer, London, and Senior Curator of Programmes at Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridgeshire. At Wysing, I led the Syllabus artist development programme, securing the programme’s future until 2034 through a landmark funding agreement.

I have also worked at Black Dog Publishing, developed independent projects with Arcadia Missa, BFI, Flat Time House, Tate Film and MOT and have worked for artist Isaac Julien.

I am a trustee of Arts Catalyst, Sheffield.

Director (Arts Education) - Arron Singh Gill

My role at The GAP is Youth & Community Researcher and Artist. I'm working to explore how the cultural space can be a strong resource in the community, and how it interacts with young people's lives.

I enjoy many things about my role, including developing meaningful relationships in this neighbourhood, and working in a value driven organisation.

I (re) joined The GAP in early November 2024, and for a couple of years before that I was in Cardiff working in community engagement in a cultural centre.

Director (Arts Education) - Ella Marshall

I collaborate with young people, artists and other GAP team members to design and deliver our programme of activities, and contribute towards shaping the direction of the organisation as a whole in line with our Vision, Mission and Values.

What I enjoy most about my role is the hope and inspiration that comes from learning and co-creating alongside young people; developing creative ways to free the imagination and critically engage with society; witnessing the transformational impacts of our work upon young people; getting to experience many different cultural activities and events; and the joy in holding space for community to gather and flourish.

My journey with The GAP began back in 2015 when I was a young person myself participating in some of its earliest projects. Over the past ten years I’ve moved from project participant, to volunteer, to freelance worker, to full-time team member.

I approach life as one big learning journey, and am always looking for opportunities to deepen and expand my knowledge and skills. Most recently this has included studying for an MA in Arts & Education Practices at BCU and Level 2 Site Carpentry at UCB.

Sanah Iqbal - Arts Administration Assistant

I work across communications, digital content and administrative tasks at The GAP, helping to connect our programmes and events with individuals while keeping things organised behind the scenes. From updating the website and mailing lists to creating newsletters and social media content, my role is about sharing the creative work happening here.

Being part of a creative space that values expression, collaboration and shared ideas is energising. My work at The GAP brings together my passion for the arts, photography and community-focused projects and every day is an opportunity to learn.

Programme Associates

Isra Kausar - Curator

I am the Curator for The GAP, but my role entails a lot of different things. I am currently working with The GAP’s Arts Circle, set up after my first exhibition in this role. It was an open call to Birmingham artists, on the theme of Cycles. With this, I really enjoyed seeing people come together to celebrate themselves, others, and creativity. It was a real pleasure to be a part of the atmosphere that was the opening night, which was a room full of joy, celebration and togetherness. The artists who were selected for the exhibition became the Arts Circle, a group set up to explore creativity in a community setting, learning from each other as we work towards an exhibition.

The biggest and best part of my job is to make exhibitions happen and make them fun for everyone. This involves a mixture of things, including research, writing, talking with people, physical work with installing and de-installing exhibitions, generating ideas, setting out dates and timelines, and a bunch more. The range ideas from the artists is incredible to see, and the conversations we have which lead to creative outcomes, a sense of ease, and even som community actionsnis so fulfilling. It is hard work, but it’s worth it, and to be a part of those discussions makes me feel incredibly lucky.

I began with The GAP as a volunteer in the café, which gave me the experience to find paid work, as well as access to an artistic community that has been incredibly fulfilling and helpful. I curated a solo exhibition during the winter of 2023/24 on a voluntary basis, which helped me to decide that curating was something I wanted to explore further. Access to art is limited, and it can be intimidating and hard to get into. I want to break down those barriers, and to continue to use my abilities and resources to make art accessible and enjoyable to as many people as possible.

Kohinoor

I am a community activist, poet, creative producer, writer & workshop facilitator.

I have been facilitating workshops at The GAP for the past two years for the Peace Garden Creative Summer Club centred around poetry, storytelling and nature, as well as delivering a poetry workshop at The Other-Wise Summer School 2025.

What I enjoy about my role is working with children & young people to encourage their creativity into the arts through reading, writing and exploring the world of poetry whilst simultaneously finding the beauty and poetry within Nature in order to nurture our responsibility of stewardship of the Earth.

I have thoroughly loved working with The GAP team to bring fun engaging curated workshops with our group of young learners, to reduce access barriers to art, poetry and nature with sustainability in mind.

Many families have limited access to the creative arts outside of mainstream school hours, so providing these workshops during the summer holidays each year helps bridge that gap & encourages children and young people to be conscious of the environment around them to help them better understand how they can take care of nature in small ways whilst also being outdoors enjoying poetry.

Before this I have been curating, organising and producing community events at The GAP Mix Cafe for the past 3 years as part of Kohetry Presents, which is a grassroots movement using poetry, live music & panel discussions to build bridges between marginalised & interfaith communities to nurture a safe third space to tackle mental health, racism, and other social issues we face in today's society.

Art is a way of bringing change and having difficult conversations in a kind & holistic way.

Associate Artists

Chris Cooper - Drama Practitioner

Chris has worked in TIE and educational theatre and drama since 1988 as an actor, director and playwright. He was the Artistic Director of Big Brum Theatre in Education Company for 17 years (1999-2015) where he directed 35 new TIE programmes and many special projects over the years; including 9 World Premiere productions of new plays by British playwright Edward Bond commissioned by the Company.

In 2008 Cooper set up Accident Time Productions which works mostly in Europe on theatre productions and projects, teaching, training, lecturing and presenting workshops, including ongoing long-term collaborations in Slovenia, Greece, Norway, Hungary, Malta and Ireland. He has written extensively on the theory and practice of educational theatre and drama in a variety of books, journals, and other publications.

Since 2009 Cooper has been working with Drama Rainbow Education (DRE) Company, Beijing training of teachers in drama education and the development of theatre education. He has also created picture books illustrated by Ceri Townsend as part of a Creative Curriculum the Company offers for children aged 3-8 years old in kindergartens and arts centres. Before Covid he was a frequent visitor to mainland China working extensively in the field of drama and theatre education in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Guangzhou and second tier cities.

In January 2017, he became a founder member and the International Director of Jian Xue (See & Learn), which is a research and development NGO in the field of educational drama and theatre with a specific interest in theatre-in-education and international projects, particularly those connecting the Chinese speaking world.
Since 1996, Cooper has been the author of 51 plays that have been performed in the UK, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, Greece and Norway. In 2022 DRE will produce Bag Lady and Rise & Shine for their Youth Theatre, Making Mummy will tour Beijing theatres, and they will stage a TiE tour of You & Me to Kindergartens. Big Brum will tour Along the Silk Road, The GAP Arts Project, Birmingham, will stage Once Upon a Time… and the Wasa Teater, Vaasa, Finland will premiere The Clearing this autumn.

Jane Thakoordin - Participatory Artist

I am a textile artist, educator and participatory artist, which means that the evidence and research informed work I create is always in collaboration with others.

A great fan of the bright, bold and beautiful my practice is rooted in my Guyanese heritage, celebrating colour and texture in the work that I produce with groups and organisations both locally and regionally. I use textiles, found objects and upcycled “stuff” often donated by people who know my penchant for the eclectic and colourful.

I draw on my professional experiences as a mental health practitioner to link creativity and wellbeing in the workshops. I work collaboratively with, amongst others, people seeking asylum, supporting individuals and co-creating work. One of the highlights of the recent Humankindness Project was radical kindness through gift creating for strangers who have made our city their home.

I am a founder/member of MIXED RAGE- a collective of artists of mixed heritages, who recently exhibited at MAC in Birmingham. A recipient of a THRIVE Research bursary, I am currently working with Universities and Youth projects to interrogate the language of mental health and wellbeing, using textiles and zine making as methods of engagement.

Advisory Board

Aqeel Kapasi

My role at The GAP is serving as a member of the advisory board, with a focus on sustainability matters.

I enjoy assisting The GAP in reducing its impact in various ways.

I joined The GAP as a Trustee in 2020, moving to the advisory board in January 2025. My day job involves working in VAT for an accountancy workers co-operative that focuses on third sector organisations. Before that I worked for an environmental charity.

Abbas Shapuri

My role at The GAP entails being an advisor on finance and governance related items and supporting the bookkeeper and accountant where I can.

I enjoy the role because I am able to give back to a truly wonderful organisation with the skills that I have. The personal impact of the charity was instrumental to my decision to support The GAP as a treasurer and is why I have stayed on as an advisor. And I am passionate about The GAP’s ability to connect with young people and its role in supporting young artists to realise their potential.

I was also a member of the predecessor of The GAP, Theatre Ark during my time in secondary school (so for over 15 years!)

Trustees

Uma Lanka - Co-Chair

As an education specialist, I am a big believer in lifelong learning. Since joining The GAP family as a student in Birmingham, I have gone on to work with various non-profit organisations in science communication, global health and disability education, bringing my passion and commitment for social justice to The GAP.

In my spare time, I am almost always found in the kitchen, experimenting with plant-based ingredients.

Adam Iqbal-McLeod - Co-Chair

I am a teacher, currently working at a sixth form college teaching Politics. I have worked in 11-18 education for ten years, previously holding leadership positions in relation to curriculum and inclusion.

I felt compelled to join The GAP as a trustee as the organisation’s vision and values so clearly align with my own. The GAP’s commitment to social justice and building belonging in our community speaks directly to the principles that have shaped my work in education.

Having grown up in this city, I am excited to be supporting an organisation that not only reflects the vibrancy of our communities but also actively invests in the potential of young people in our city.

Adewuyi Alabi - Treasurer

I joined The GAP in June 2023 as Board Treasurer/Trustee. My role entails the implementation of the financial strategy and ensuring financial compliance.

I enjoy the role as it requires me to put on my thinking cap every time. Prior to joining The GAP, I had won the academic award and prize for the best overall performance at Aston Business School, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Professionally, I am a chartered accountant and certified financial and management consultant with quality experience from the banking industry in the United Kingdom and Nigeria where I meritoriously led corporate, commercial and retail banking groups.

Currently, I work full-time as a lecturer in accounting at the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. My recent research investigated what and how leading retail companies in the United Kingdom reported the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in their annual reports to the stakeholders under the theoretical lens of the stakeholder theory. I am a strong admirer of the use of the arts as a weapon for positive change.

Laura Clarke

I’m a curator and cultural organiser originally from Birmingham. I currently work as Head of Programme at Site Gallery, a visual arts organisation and charity based in Sheffield.

Through my work, I collaborate with artists to explore how art can be a tool for political education and social action. I’ve worked in arts organisations for over a decade, including Arts Catalyst, Hayward Gallery, the Barbican Centre and Nottingham Contemporary, so I've spent a long time thinking about different models and ways of working.

The GAP continues to be an inspiration for me, as a brave and brilliant organisation led by its values and a deep commitment to imagining more equitable and liveable worlds.

Damian J. Hursey

I am undertaking a doctorate in practical theology looking at medieval maps, and the way we conceptualise our relationship to the land has changed since the middle ages. I am interested in the interplay of ideas with activism, community, contemplation and creativity, so The GAP arts project fits wonderfully with my range of interests. I have previously worked in the charitable, pastoral and creative sectors.

I was first impressed by The GAP since I became aware of its presence in the Old Print Works, after losing to them in BrumSoup back in 2017! I was a co-worker at The Print Works, and thought it was great the way they served people coffee and cake through the hatch during the pandemic, as all the people were so friendly.

It brightened up my day buying coffee and cake and having a little chat, and soon I had bought so much cake from them I started to put on weight!

Then after the pandemic, it turned out the whole cafe had been transformed into an awesome bright event and exhibition space, like a chrysalis turning into a beautiful big butterfly! One of the staff asked me what I thought and I said it was amazing! Which it was.

Following that, I got to know The GAP team better through being one of the Community Producers, during their cultural resistance project. This was marvellous for me as I had been involved in Creative campaigning at COP 26, and it was super fun to come up with ideas and explore different themes around cultural resistance in various maverick and marvellous ways, as I love expressing my creative and artistic side, and had plenty of chance to do so on Second Saturdays, when we played in a band, flew home made kites and did a rebellious flash mob dance in the street!

I am an amateur activist, artist, philosopher and poet and I like the idea of being an amateur because it is about exploring the beginnings of things with enthusiasm. Reality begins in the imagination, and everything amazing was once someone’s dream.

I try to live with enough space to have time to truly encounter people, and let my feet guide me into new experiences where I can be present where the Universe wants me to be. Sometimes I feel God guides me to people that need my help when I am able to be open in this way.

As a Trustee I hope to bring my experience in community formation and engagement, pastoral work and amateur pantomime, to assisting the team as it moves into the exciting next phase of its life.

Anna Himali Howard

I'm a Trustee on the board, which means I help to champion The GAP's work and support its future plans.

I'm excited to use my role to shout about how brilliant The GAP is, and it's great to be part of a team of such interesting and inspiring fellow trustees.

I first became part of The GAP when I was a teenager, back when it was called Theatre Ark. I was introduced to their ways of working, and their philosophy around drama and art for young people, and it had a profound influence on me. I'm now a theatre director, and I also work at Birmingham Hippodrome supporting the development of new work and artists. I use the methods I learned from The GAP often in my work, and I'm inspired by the way they make people and art matter.

Mika Abdullayeva

I am a dedicated advocate for refugee rights and social inclusion, with extensive experience supporting refugees and migrants in education, employment, and integration. I have worked with organisations like Refugee Education UK, ACH, and Stories of Hope and Home in advisory and governance roles.

I am also an ambassador for Hope for the Young, advocating for young refugees’ access to education and opportunities. My commitment to policy, social justice, and lived experience leadership drives me to challenge the barriers faced by refugees with confidence and determination.

Founder

Ceri Townsend

Under Ceri’s leadership The GAP has become one of the UK's leading arts organisations dedicated to young people, respected internationally and cherished locally.

She stepped down in December 2025 after devoting 17 years to the role. You can read more about our history, which celebrates Ceri’s many achievements.