Meet the Team

Dr. Mandy Curtis
Event Director | Global Educator

BACKGROUND: History of Art & Archaeology Degree (Africa and Asia) | PGCE Primary | PhD: Human Geography

EXPERIENCE: 20 years in events, education and research, with a focus on diversity, inclusion and community. Senior Lecturer in International Event Management with University of Brighton.

ENJOYS: Camper van trips, live music

BOARD MEMBERSHIP: Visit 1066 Country (DMO), Hastings Town Board (Cultural Rep), Bexhill Town Board (Cultural Rep), Hastings & St Leonards Cultural Connections (Chair), Association of Event Management Education (Secretary), Festival Culture Research & Education (Editorial Board), GuestHouse Storytellers (Vice Chair), National Children’s Carnival/Sustainable Carnival Alliance (member)

Ruth England
Global Educator

BACKGROUND: Fine Art, Post Graduate Certificate in Education: Post Compulsory Education, Post Graduate Certificate: Education for Sustainability

EXPERIENCE: Community Artist and Active Citizenship facilitator, 10 years working in Global Education, coordinating work with schools and teacher training.

ENJOYS: Art, photography, swimming, languages

Sandra Hui
Digital Marketing Officer

BACKGROUND: Freelance designer and entrepreneur since 2013

EXPERIENCE: 15+ years in design, spanning across 2D & 3D representations for web and print. 12+ years in programming.

ENJOYS: Reading, crocheting, and enjoying a hot cuppa cocoa in giant beanbags.

Kate Watts
Marketing Officer

BACKGROUND: BA Hons Journalism

EXPERIENCE: Over 15 years experience across marketing, PR, editorial, events and styling, with a more recent focus on arts, culture and community-based projects.
ENJOYS: Upcycling and sewing, dancing, book club, walking her rescue dog Coco and spending time with friends and family.
Jane Perkins
Fundraising Officer & Logistical Support

BACKGROUND: Degrees in Modern Languages (French & German) and Engineering

EXPERIENCE: 20 years in events, research & reporting alongside engineering
ENJOYS: Live music & comedy, automata-making & travel