I am an artist, director and owner of an art studio and LGBTQ+ safe space. I am dedicated to exploring queer sober safe spaces and celebrating identity through creativity. My Fellowship takes me to Amsterdam and Toronto, where I will observe how queer-led spaces foster self-expression and prioritise community and connection over party culture.

As a young, queer, working-class artist from Blackpool, I have witnessed at first hand the detrimental effects of substance abuse on the LGBTQ+ community. My work with young people has underscored the importance of having spaces where individuals can explore their creativity and identity without the influence of substances.

The goal of my Fellowship is to facilitate the creation of more safe spaces and develop a wealth of resources to ensure their success. I aim to share my findings with changemakers and advise organisations on creating and implementing policies that benefit not only the LGBTQ+ community but also society at large. By highlighting the positive impact of creativity on mental and physical health, I hope to inspire a broader movement towards sober, inclusive and empowering spaces.