Artist-Leader

Hello,

I’m Katie.

Nice to meet you.

I would describe myself as an effervescent ‘multi-ist’ AKA an Artist-Leader.

I love finding pathways through complexity, uncovering layers and running my fingers over the textures of the world.

I put my hand, eye and brain to anything creativity, connectivity, collectivity and care.

Artist-Leader

Being an Artist-Leader means moving between creative work and leadership —sometimes I’m directing a performance or writing poetry, sometimes I’m leading an organisation, and sometimes I’m simply holding space for others to thrive. I lead with creativity and create with purpose.

Artistry

My creative practice is rooted in devised theatre, writing, and performance. I create and shape stories through movement, spoken word, focussing on themes such as feminism, queerness and healing. But creativity for me goes beyond performance—it’s also about developing ideas, shaping new artistic concepts, and sharing practices that centre care and accessibility.

Leadership

As the founder and director of Starling, I’ve built a charity that champions neurodiversity, creates neuro-affirming environments, and empowers young people through the arts. My leadership also extends beyond Starling—I’ve co-founded new organisations like almia and We Are Explorers, always with a focus on collaboration and change-making.

Join our community.

I’m building a network of like-minded artists who are also leaders—where we can connect, collaborate, and inspire each other. If you’re ready to share your practice, learn from others, and be part of a collective that champions change, then I want to hear from you.