Staff

Lisa Gagliani MBE

Chief Executive

I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of the charity’s management, marketing and fundraising, reporting to the trustee board. I have many years’ senior leadership experience in similar sized charities, having been Chief Executive of Explore, The Childhood Trust and Bright Ideas Trust. Prior to that I was Chief Executive of Kingston Chamber of Commerce. I am a trustee (Treasurer) of the Island Collection. Away from work, I am married to a professional landscape painter and mum to two grown up sons and two small dogs. In 2015, I was awarded an MBE for services to young people and small businesses.

Kerry Tindall

Programmes Manager (Arts)

I joined Independent Arts in 2015. My background is in the arts, working with National collections at the National Portrait Gallery, the Fox Talbot collection at Lacock Abbey, and many years’ events and exhibition experience with the National Trust. I have a degree in art history and a masters degree in 20th Century British art and critical theory. I believe that the arts have a key role to play ensuring a future for healthy, happy, richer, more diverse and inclusive communities. I hope that whoever joins our projects and programmes leaves having had opportunities for personal growth, enrichment, and above all, greater happiness in their lives.

Nicola Ward

Workshops for Wellbeing Manager

I am privileged to lead Independent Arts’ Workshops for Wellbeing programme, working with care and residential homes and community organisations across the Island. It’s about creating smiles and sparking joy, and having an impact on wellbeing that lasts long after the sessions have finished. I joined the charity in 2018, bringing 20 years’ experience from organisations as diverse as the local college and the Welsh Assembly, and value this chance to contribute to our local community. A firm believer in the benefits of movement and creative pursuits for wellbeing, I enjoy walking and cycling, digitally-aided design/media, Tai Chi and yoga.

Kerry Weston

Creative Hub Coordinator (job-share)

I joined the Community Hub team in November 2020. I have previously worked in a number of supportive roles, using my own lived experiences to empower and encourage others, and co-founded Anxiety Café in 2015. I am passionate about raising awareness and starting conversations around mental health, and have started international social media campaigns, community projects and held fundraising events. I’m motivated by seeing the positive benefits that art and creativity have on our overall health and wellbeing, especially with young adults. In my spare time I love to bake, campaign for mental health awareness and have a keen interest in taking photos of our beautiful Island nature and scenery.

Ralph Ridler

Creative Hub Operations Manager

I joined the team in 2020 as Community Fundraiser, and since February 2024 I have been the charity’s Creative Hub Operations Manager, working with our Creative Hub team to oversee all the amazing workshops and activities delivered here Every day I get to see the incredible impact our sessions make on people’s lives, and the fantastic exhibitions of their creative expression. When I’m not at work I’ll most likely be fishing, reading, or exploring Dorset or Wales.

Joanne Rigby

principal Projects Artist

I joined Independent Arts in 2017 to oversee workshops for the Time & Tide project, pairing local history and the arts to bring opportunities for older and socially isolated people to engage with cultural pursuits. Following the completion of Time & Tide, I supported the delivery of Changing Spaces and School Ties, and continue to work on the charity’s creative community projects. I have considerable experience of working with older people in a residential care setting and in the community. I have a first-class honours degree in fine art and a keen interest in art, music, being outdoors and keeping fit.

Polly Zanardi

Creative Hub Coordinator (job share)

I joined the Creative Hub team in March 2023, having worked with the charity as an arts practitioner in care homes since 2019. As part of my job as Creative Hub Coordinator, I plan and organise the Creative Café programme. I originally trained as a surface decoration designer, working in the textile industry for a number of years before moving to the island to raise a family. I continue to work as a freelance artist and illustrator – in between children, dogs and workshops, I am usually to be found in my studio. What I love about working for Independent Arts is that through creativity and inclusivity, friendships are forged as well as giving individuals self-confidence and a sense of community. Plus we have a lot of fun!

Ali Atkinson

Creative Hub Coordinator (job share) and Program Support Officer

I joined the Creative Hub team as a Hub Co-ordinator in March 2023, having previously volunteered for the local charity Homestart, had a career in art gallery management, I’ve also studied counselling and worked with vulnerable adults as a support worker. I love being part of the team in the Hub, especially meeting the many and varied people supported by the charity. I’m also very pleased to have expanded my role to being the Program Support Officer to help keep the cogs turning in the background and support the team deliver all of our sessions. At home, in-between caring for the younger (2 children) and older members of my family, you’ll find me either gardening, meditating or experimenting with mixed media or textile art.

Matt Hitt

Community Development Manager

I joined the charity in early 2024 to support the fundraising and community engagement activities. I have wide-ranging experience of working with youth and community groups, fundraising events, and volunteer management. As a trained musician and interactive installation artist I have always been passionate about the positive impact creativity can have on mental health and wellbeing.

When not working I enjoy cinema, spending time walking by the sea, and I can often be found singing at various venues around the Island as one half of a comedy cabaret act.

Sarah Moore

Marketing Communications Officer

I joined the team at Independent Arts in July 2023, bringing my marketing experience to help with social media and communications. I’m here to share stories, connect with our community, and celebrate life’s moments.

Outside of work, my heart belongs to my young family. We love going on adventures, especially exploring the great outdoors and spending quality time at the beach.

Evie Clarke

Creative Assistant

I initially joined Independent Arts as a volunteer in November 2022 before becoming a member of staff as part of the Artswork Breakthrough scheme. During this time I’ve supported and run multiple workshops with a variety of age groups. I really admire the inclusive and encouraging attitude of Independent Arts and am very happy to be a member of the team. I am predominantly a watercolour artist and am heavily inspired by photos I have taken of natural environments and the outside world. I also commission personalised illustrations which I showcase online. When I’m not making things, I’m spending time outdoors and at home with my dog and being a very proud auntie to my littlest nephew.