Alia

With over 40 years of experience in the performing arts industry, I work as a theatre consultant, offering tailored solutions in the fields of interim management, artistic programming, leadership and team development, business planning and delivery, and project management. In 2024, I completed a five-year contract at Reliance Industries Limited, where I leveraged my expertise in performing arts development and management to support one of India’s largest corporations in the further operation and growth of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.

Emma Taylor is an oil painter and art history student, engaging with the human condition, sensuality, gender, mortality, and intimacy. Emma managed and curated the March 2024 Women’s History Month exhibition in Farnborough. She is currently shortlisted for the 2026 Royal Female School of Art curatorial mentorship in collaboration with the White Box Gallery in London. Emma’s paintings are characterized by soft, atmospheric textures and a restrained, muted palette that reflects upon 19th century classical traditions. Figures often appear partially obscured, emerging from or receding into hazy backgrounds or exposed underpainting.

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.