The Team

As Co-Founder and Director I have led the organisation since inception, overseeing the development and delivery of multiple projects to support visual artists. Our work has culturally reanimated a number of vacant spaces turning them into studios, galleries and venues to expand and support the city’s visual arts scene. In his spare time Dan enjoys walking his dog Peggy in the New Forest. My favourite part of the organisation is the people and artists I get to work with.

Mia is the Curator & Programme Manager at ‘a space’ arts. She works alongside James to develop and deliver our exhibitions, events and artist development activities. A graduate of Winchester School of Art, Mia is interested in generating opportunities and providing support for emerging artists in the region as well as commissioning playful, exciting art that amplifies marginalised voices and challenges convention. Mia is also a trustee at SPUD, as well as a filmmaker and visual artist. She is mostly Cornish, but grew up in Plymouth and enjoys cooking, reading and swimming in the sea. The Alfred Arms is my favourite ‘a space’ venue. I have so many fond memories of chatting, singing, dancing and art-making in there. It’s the perfect place for an after-party, and sometimes the best ideas come to light over a pint.

James is the Outreach & Artist Communities Manager at ‘a space’ arts. His support is across the whole organisation: developing emerging artists with RIPE, managing with the Arches Studios, working on programming at GHT and helping grow our artist development programme. James is also an artist: making work focused on play, nature, labour and technology.  His favourite part of ‘a space’ is not a building or a place, but instead it’s having a funny lunch with team!

Kalleesha supports the financial operations of the ‘a space’ team in the capacity of Finance Manager.  She is primarily responsible for processing and maintaining accurate financial records in Xero, processing payroll, submitting grant requests, and producing management reports.  Additionally, she provides administrative support to the Board of Trustees. With over a decade of experience in public and private sector accounting, she is passionate about her work and enjoys all aspects of accountancy. In her spare time, she likes reading and listening to audiobooks and enjoys the music in the cafe at GHT.

Hannah was born and raised in Southampton, a city whose history and community remain close to her heart. Since joining the team in 2019, shortly before the reopening of God’s House Tower, she has focused on building a creative, motivated team and placing visitor experience at the forefront of the organisation’s work. A strong advocate for exceptional customer service, Hannah is committed to ensuring that every visitor to God’s House Tower enjoys a memorable and welcoming experience—whether they come for a wedding, event, exhibition, or simply to explore the historic site. I like films, music and walking along the river, and welcoming new people to GHT.

Sam is the Front of House Manager at GHT. He helps run the day to day activities and events that take place at the venue, in particular, the cafe / bar and the GHT artist shop. You will usually find him behind the bar making samuccinos. Most of his spare time is spent either reading or writing or listening to music. He sometimes volunteers at Oxfam Music and Books and for a while has helped to put on comedy nights with ‘Something Comedy’. His favourite part of GHT is the community that has grown around and through the venue/ Being around such a wide array of people every day, interested and inspired by arts and heritage is very fulfilling! The cake are pretty good too!

Emily is the Content Creator at ‘a space’ arts. She creates visual content across the whole organisation and works alongside Keeley to promote exhibitions, events and artist development activities across God’s House Tower, the Arches Studios and the RIPE Programme. Her spare time is spent reading, painting and usually with a crochet project on the go. Her favourite part of GHT is the corridor between the Crawford Room and the Main Gallery. The cheese buns in the Cafe are a favourite too!

Keeley is the Communications Manager at ‘a space’ arts, where she develops campaigns that celebrate arts and culture and help connect people with exhibitions and events. She is dedicated to making the arts more accessible and engaging for all. In her spare time she enjoys painting, collaging and watching live music. My favourite part is learning about new subjects through artists’ findings and insights, and hearing the stories behind their work. I love gaining fresh perspectives and seeing the world through a different lens.

Tom is the GHT Crew Lead, helping run daily operations and activities throughout the building, ensuring each visitor enjoys the culture and heritage on offer, as well as managing and supporting the crew. In his spare time, Tom is a passionate writer, painter and amateur genealogist. He spends a great deal of his time diving through records and archives, in an attempt to piece together stories long since forgotten, which often become fuel in inspiring his next creative project. His favourite part of GHT, is the model map of medieval Southampton by Ken Hellyar, which greets you as you first enter the Tower.

I’m a member of the GHT Crew, working across the galleries cafe, and events to help visitors get the most out of their experience. I enjoy being part of a creative, friendly team that brings people together through art and community. I love photography! Alongside my role as part of the GHT Crew, I work as an artist educator with In Focus Arts and Education, supporting young people to explore creativity and self-expression through art. I also work on my own photographic practice. My favourite part of GHT is being part of its vibrant community – welcoming everyone through our doors and meeting so many talented, inspiring people.