Creativity as a process for change
I am a true ideas person and advocate for the arts.
As an exhibiting artist and creative writer, my work is inspired by communities and individuals who prioritise relationships through mutual respect. I am particularly drawn to barrier free and trauma informed expressions of creativity for the common good.
Following my degree in Fine Art Printmaking, I began to explore applications of critical theory and creative pedagogies for community healing and personal wellbeing in the Art Therapy Department at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health.
After qualifying as a counsellor with the Leeds Centre for Psychological Development, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy with placements at Touchstone and Leeds Irish Health and Homes which deepened my understanding of trauma, identity, belonging and the ways systems shape individual and collective wellbeing.
For the last 25 years I have worked in senior roles in the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) using a creative approach to fundraising, community engagement and project management.
Inspired by the confidence of my peer support group 'Quadmas', I continue to challenge the systems and structures that create oppression.
Bronagh Daly FRSA
Community of creative practice (online)
£0 totally free - this one's on me!
I totally get that 'creativity takes courage', so every month I host a free online session for anyone who would like to know more about how to embed creativity in their organsiation.
These informal sessions are great for continued professional development centered around creativity for the common good.
What to expect:
- Fun: An opportunity to explore creative ideas with no pressure and lots of support
- Support: Advice, guidance and peer support helping to re-ignite your radical imagination
- Action: One take away, easy to do thing that will keep you inspired until we meet again
Printmaking
My work explores themes of inclusion, care for creation and eschatology (end of times) and often reflects on the role of diaspora communities in urban settings to build resilient and harmonious communities.
Inspiration lies in my homeland and the mythological stories of ancient Ireland, which appears as a recurring theme of nature based metaphores, toponyms and wisdom in my work.
My prints have been exhibited with the 20:20 Exchange and also used as a backdrop for retreats and workshops on some of the hardest to talk about social injustices; misogyny, climate racism and poverty.
Creative Production
It has been a real joy to curate exhibitions, host talks, produce short films, project manage events as well as create content for blogs, podcasts, socials, press and radio.
Working with theatre, performing arts, dance and LIVE arts organisations to stage immersive productions in churches, libraries and shopping centres has led me to work with inspirational partners including the Lagos based, PawPaw Studios - Lagos Fringe Festival where we co-produced 'Esther's Revenge' in the round at the iconic Leeds Minster.
I co-produce and toured the 'The Chair of Sanctuary' artwork around shopping centres, libraries, schools and churches as wells as curation of 'The Way Up is Down' - a reflection on the social and emotional impact of COVID-19
In the summer of 2026 I joined a community ensemble in Josephine Burton's immersive ingenuity 'Our Public House' at the Leeds Playhouse - an exhilarating production.
Creative Writing
I use poetry and creative writing in my screen printing and workshops and it is great fun to host 'Ekphrastic Workshops' for change makers. My poetry has been included in 'The Holdings' anthology and short story published in 'From the Cauldron' anthology.
I have recently toured the 'Chair of Sanctuary' a collaborative textile screen print project with local poet Rachel Flint through the 'Writing on Air' festival.
I am passionate about supporting young people in the expression of their radical imagination and recently launched the Leeds Children's Creative Writing Awards in partnership with the Grammar School at Leeds and Leeds Philosophical Literary Society.
Festivals
Over the years, I have loved volunteered my skills with festivals
As a Director of the Leeds Literature Festival I developed Good Governance practices, worked on fundraising diversification and set up their steering group to increase reach.
In the role of Interim Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees at COMPASS Live Art Festival I ensured the charity's mission, of animating the city of Leeds with interactive art projects in public spaces created by ambitious artists, was realised.
As a steering group member of Leeds International African Arts Festival (LIAAF) I co-produced diaspora arts events with their Creative Director, Ndidi Nkwopara.
My work as Creative Director for the Art Theology festival saw exhibitions, workshops and talks hosted at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Leeds Art Gallery as well as community based 'Creativity Catalyst' in local church spaces.
