Barbara Touati-Evans

I am a musician, songwriter and creative practitioner inspired by the landscapes, folklore and communities of the New Forest and the surrounding counties of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. My practice centres on bringing people together through music. Current projects include hosting regular ‘From Story to Song’ workshops exploring local folklore and songs, facilitating ‘Songwriters’ Circles’ and workshops at Coda Music & Arts Trust, and directing The Chicken Soup community choir and ‘Drop In and Sing’ sessions across BCP, Dorset and Hampshire. I also work in creative development with children and young adults, supporting confidence, creativity and self-expression through songwriting and music-making.

Olivia Wallis Jackson is a British-German Contemporary Dancer, Choreographer, Photographer, Teacher, Rehearsal Director & Administrative Support Worker currently based in Hampshire and working across the South and in London. As a dance artist with an exciting blend of technical and explorative movement, she uses her unique performance skills and intellect to collaborate deeply with other artists. She strives to understand choreographers’ artistic aims and processes, fulfilling their visions to make work that is impactful and meaningful to a wide range of audiences. Alongside her work as a dancer and choreographer, Olivia is also a dance photographer and engages with community dance practice in various ways.

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.