Barbara Touati-Evans

I am a freelance heritage professional, dedicated to supporting museums to connect with communities and tell stories that matter. I am experienced in (i) oral history interviewing and museum audio production (ii) interpretation and exhibition development, (iii) co-curation and co-production; (iv) project management; (v) training & facilitation (vi) securing grant funding; (vii) audience development; and (viii) charity sector leadership. I am based in Hampshire and work throughout the south of England and the Midlands. I am passionate about the power of museums to promote wellbeing and place-shaping. I have an affinity to the Solent region and especially enjoy helping a wide variety of people to flourish through community-led participation.

I’m an artist and creative producer with a wealth of experience of founding arts ventures and running arts venues, programmes, events, exhibitions and festivals – with a focus on fun and innovative approaches to animating underused spaces. Most recently I’ve had the privilege of setting up Saint John’s Arts’ Programme, collaborating with a large Education Trust to provide new exciting opportunities for young people to get involved in the arts in Gosport. I’ve also worked as Producer for Journeys Festival International, and held previous roles at ArtSpace Portsmouth, Liverpool Biennial and founded The Royal Standard (gallery, studios and social workspace), and Mighty Oak Creative Agency.

Joanna Blossom is based in Alverstoke and offers tailor-made craft workshops for children and families of all ages and abilities.  A self taught artist, she has provided craft workshops for various companies and locations including The Portsmouth Guildhall, The Kings Theatre (Portsmouth), Elson Community Library & Hub, Chichester Festival Theatre, Croydon City Council and local libraries & primary schools in and around Hampshire. Joanna has been also been involved in funded projects such as Culture Spark for Chichester District Council, Fairytales at Furzey for the Minstead Trust, Pompey HAF project at Portsmouth City Museum and  Portsmouth Creates, We Shine Light Festival.