Alia

Natalie is a contemporary dancer, choreographer and teacher. Her artistic values are rooted in creating and contributing to collaborative, narrative-driven dance work. She is also passionate about using dance as a tool for positive social change.

Jacqueline is the artist behind Willow and Crafts, a full-time willow sculptor creating bespoke, sustainable artworks for homes, events, and public spaces. With a passion for nature and years of experience, she transforms natural materials into expressive, handcrafted sculptures that bring warmth and character to any setting. She also runs friendly, relaxing willow weaving workshops-welcoming spaces where anyone can unwind, get creative, and connect with nature, no experience needed.

My debut novel, The Normal State of Mind (Parthian, 2015) was long listed for the Mumbai Association of Moving Images (MAMI) Word to Screen Prize. Table Manners (Dahlia Books, 2018) won the Saboteur Award for Best Short Story Collection in 2019. My short stories have been featured on BBC Radio 4. I develop and deliver writing workshops for various art galleries and organisations around Hampshire and beyond. I teach creative writing at University of Winchester and am a trustee of The Winchester Poetry Festival. I’ve also developed ands teach a short story course for Professional Writing Academy. I’m co-founder of Write Beyond Borders, a transnational mentoring project writers from South Asia and its diaspora.