Core Staff
Barry macaulay - ceo/Artistic Director
Barry Macaulay BEM joins Arts Care from Stroke Association where he was the NI Director. Barry has over 25 years experience in the field of health and social care and disability, initially as a Social Worker and then as Senior Manager in the Third sector with RNIB and Stroke Association. He was granted a British Empire Medal in 2019 for his contribution to Disability Sport in Northern Ireland. Barry is a musician and is no stranger to Arts Care having performed as a volunteer at numerous Arts Care sessions and events for over 15 years.
Rachel Battersby - Governance & Business Support Manager
Rachel started her role within Arts Care in October 2022, with over 10 years’ experience in Business Administration. Rachel has previously worked in Queen’s University, Construction Management and The MAC, after graduating Art College and working overseas as an Arts Facilitator with various Arts Centres and Homeless Charities. She continues to work as an artist and likes nothing better than reading in the woods with a big flask of Earl Grey tea and her husky at her side.
Alan Diver - Graphic Design
Alan joined Arts Care in May 2004. He has a BA (Hons) Visual Communications. Alan has extensive experience delivering design solutions in both the public and private sectors. He has a broad portfolio of skills in both print and digital media. He previously worked at Creative Director level in a major design consultancy in Dublin servicing international clients. During his time at Arts Care he has nurtured relationships with the team of core staff and artists and also with our key partners ensuring successful and targeted results. He has attained a wide bank of knowledge designing specifically within the health and charity sectors.
Ali Fell – Projects Officer
Ali joined Arts Care in 2023. She has a background in community engagement, arts event management and facilitation. She has worked with a wide range of arts organisations in a variety of roles, including managing community engagement for Strand Arts Centre, and as the Northern Ireland Ambassador for Fun Palaces. She is a learning advisor for the Crescent Arts Centre, a board member for Tumble Circus, and a founding member of Vault Artists Studios. She is particularly interested in fibre arts, carnival production, and street art, and believes passionately in the power of creativity, community and joy! And when she is not wrestling with spread sheets, she is probably crocheting.
Gary Gates - Business Development & Communications Manager
Gary joined Arts Care in July 2022 and has brought a wealth of experience in PR, Marketing and Business Management to the role. Gary has over 10 years of managerial experience and has worked as a marketing and communications professional across many sectors including construction, recruitment, events management, and dog grooming, just to name a few. He has also worked for several years as a business communications and marketing consultant. Gary is a self-taught musician, and songwriter, and gigs in his free time, and loves spending time with his family. Gary is a board member of the Belfast Print Workshop. Realising that he needed to take his career further, Gary studied part-time at Ulster University and achieved a 1st class honours degree in Communication Management & Public Relations in 2022. Gary is now also a PhD Researcher, through Ulster University, investigating the associated stigma surrounding ADHD in Northern Ireland.
Stephanie McKervill - Head of Operations & Artistic Direction
Stephanie McKervill joined Arts Care in 2018. As a trained actor she has performed and toured in shows and musical productions across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the USA. Stephanie’s passion lies in creating and devising new work and since graduating in 2009 she has experience working as a director, stage manager, producer, playwright, co-ordinator, facilitator, and teacher. As Creative Manager at Dark Horse Theatre she was influenced by ‘the Silent Approach’ and became dedicated to removing barriers and making theatre accessible to all. She is proud to be an advocate for Creative Health and loves working closely with Arts Care’s skilled team of professional artists. In her free time Stephanie enjoys singing, playing the piano and clarinet, blues dancing, writing and treading the boards when the opportunity arises.
Karen Parkinson - Finance Officer
Karen joined Arts Care in November 2022. She has extensive experience in Finance and Accountancy gained through a variety of sectors. Karen has revolutionised the finance department within Arts Care already and is a font of all knowledge. Her passion is within the Charity sector, and worked with Sure Start for over 13 years, while also volunteering with Helping Hands – Autism Support. She has the prettiest office amongst the staff, and the most amazing nails you will see on a human.
Julianne Skillen - Projects Officer
Julianne Skillen joined Arts Care in October 2023. Julianne originally trained as an art historian and teacher. She has worked in participatory arts, community and education for 28+ years. Julianne has worked with a wide range of arts organisations in a variety of roles, including funding Officer for ACNI, Belfast City Council and TNLCF, as Development Manager in Community Arts Partnership and Heritage Officer for ArtsEkta. Julianne is passionate about the transformation power of the arts and the pure joy of art for art’s sake! She is a professional florist and a floral and visual arts facilitator. In her downtime she enjoys nothing more than spending time with family, friends and her dachshund, Frank and being out in nature, whether walking, running, sea swimming or watching the world go by with a cuppa.
Clare Lawlor - Festival Coordinator - Here & Now
Jill Mckeown - Festival Coordinator - twilight
Jill McKeown has been the Twilight Zone Project Co-Ordinator since it began in 2010 and enjoys working on this project with Stephanie McKervill Arts Care’s Head of Operations and Artistic Direction. The Twilight Zone is funded by the Public Health Agency. This regional project engages young people between the ages of 12-18 years who are resident in Health and Social Care facilities. Through participation in contemporary arts activities the young people collaborate with artists to articulate their voice, empowering them to share what is relevant to them as well as contributing to shaping a Health and Social Care Service that meets their needs. “The annual exhibition of the artworks created by the young people through the Twilight Zone is always one of Arts Care’s highlights of the year.”