about us

Positive Light Projects is a not for profit organisation using the visual arts to engage and inspire a diverse range of audiences and communities as well as developing emerging practitioners and aiding them move their practise forward in exciting and innovative ways. We have a focus on and strong belief in community based, socially engaged creative practise.

We enhance people’s wellbeing and skills by offering engaging, collaborative, participatory, immersive and high quality practical creative opportunities, enabling people to take part and have a go at exciting activities.

We support local community groups as well as independent creative practitioners, especially those with an interest in and commitment to socially engaged participatory practice, helping them to build on and develop their skill sets and expertise, working towards a more sustainable and resilient professional practice. 

We have a commitment to diversity, inclusion and accessibility, embedding this in all our planning and production so it reflects the full range of backgrounds, perspectives and abilities within our society.

Positive Light Projects is committed to delivering excellence and providing the very best opportunities for everyone to engage with the arts.

We are currently based at ep Sidwell St – an Exeter Phoenix off-site building that hosts a range of activities, artists, producers, cultural partners, and community projects.

 

MEET THE TEAM

  • CO CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    Brendan is a photographer, educator and camera builder whose creative photographic practice combines elements of construction, education, performance and participation. His work is mostly concerned with the transformation of different objects and environments into spaces capable of viewing and capturing a photographic image, using the mechanics of photography as a tool for exploration and collaboration. Brendan is the founder & director of Positive Light Projects and has a keen interest in socially engaged creative participatory practice.

  • ARTS ADMINISTRATOR

    Erika is an artist working in contemporary sculpture, and has an interest developing artist-led opportunities in the South West. Erika has recently created Traction Project Space, an artist-led gallery in the left-side window of Positive Light Projects, which aims to provide opportunities to artists at the early stages of their career.

  • CO CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    George is an illustrator and printmaker who has a love of history and this has resulted in a number of successful projects, including working with local youth groups to produce the animated short story of the famous hero war pigeon ‘Mary of Exeter’. Alongside his Positive Light Projects Projects Role, George is a Tutor and Director of Double Elephant Print Workshop with a specialism in screenprinting, a Director of The Pelican Project and leads Exeter Phoenix’s Freefall and Freefall+ youth groups.

  • SUPERVISOR AND PAINTING ASSISTANT

  • EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION LEAD

    Maia is an award winning Equality Activist, EDI Consultant (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion), International Speaker, Social Media Consultant & Instagram Influencer. Maia has worked with over 75 schools across the South West on EDI, delivering assemblies / workshops and mentoring teachers. Maia specialises in decolonising the classroom, the curriculum and ensuring schools are a safe space for all pupils to thrive and not just survive. Throughout her consultancy role she has worked with Devon County Council, many business leaders and leading organisations. One of her latest projects -Feed Our Community, delivered over 2500 free food packages to those in need within the first 6 weeks. Maia strives daily to make long lasting positive change in society. Her work has featured on CNN, BBC, ITV, Sky, The Morning Star and other platforms. Maia has been recognised by winning the Ron Todd award for Equality and featuring in the Mirrors Top 100 Inspirational Women 2021.

Supporters & Partners

Positive Light Projects wouldn’t exist without the help and support of so many amazing people, not least the incredibly generous 405 who contributed to our Crowdfunder campaign that allowed us to start work renovating the building and getting the practical stage of the project off the ground. We owe each and every one of you our eternal gratitude.

As well as all the individuals who have got behind us there are a number of organisations and institutions that we owe a huge thanks to. None of this would be possible without the continued support of Exeter Phoenix who facilitate this building and are our main partner and collaborator.

There are multiple other organisations and institutions we have partnered with on various projects including but not limited to The Pelican Project. Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, Arts Council England, RAMM, Co Lab, The Urban Learning Academy, Exeter Community Initiatives, Exeter Homeless Partnership, Exeter College, Exeter University, Double Elephant Print Workshop, Co-Create, Alright Mate?, St Sidwell Community Centre and Devon Recovery Learning, Recovery Devon, The Bill Douglas Museum, Art Work Exeter, Exeter Culture, Arts and Culture Exeter, Exeter City of Literature and many others.

FAQs

 

Do you just support the visual arts?

No, we are open to all sorts of things happening within the space, however we want to compliment and not compete with other local cultural organisations and what they offer and there are many that are better suited and more experienced in programming music and performance based activities for instance. But try us, if it’s a good fit we’re open to it and if we think somewhere else might be a better option for you we’ll put you in touch.

Can I do work experience with you?

We are a very small team with limited time and resources so unfortunately we are not right now in a position to offer work experience positions.



Can I come visit?

We are not open to the general public on a day to day basis, except for when there is specific activity programmed. This is down in part to staffing but also there are a number of things to do with security and safeguarding that we need to have in place before we will be fully open to the public. This will be a gradual thing so bare with us and keep an eye on here and / or join our mailing list for updates.

WHO CAN HAVE A STUDIO?

The studios that we offer for hire are for local visual artists and organisations from any discipline.

How do I get involved?

If you have time / energy / resources / materials you would like to donate or if you are interested in volunteering please feel free to email us.

CONTACT US