THE TEAM
Darren Washington
Boasting nearly two decades of experience as a self-employed photographer, Darren is a mixed media artist and art curator based in Stoke. As the proprietor of Thisis116, Darren integrates commercial and artistic elements into his work, infusing his projects with a distinct and cinematic approach. In his role as a gallery curator, he has played a pivotal role in the production of numerous exhibitions and large projects in collaboration with various artists. In 2013, Darren established Centre Space Arts, formerly known as Gallery116, with the goal of championing local artists and showcasing their talents globally. An advocate of delivering the right art to the right people, Darren rejects a one-size-fits-all approach and actively strives to stand out from the crowd.
Sarah Peart
Having worked in the industry as a photographer for over 7 years, Sarah has worked with a huge variety of people and has honed in her skills as a candid based event photographer. She also works in the field of website design and logo design, which is a great asset to have on board. In addition to this, photographing a multitude of events has increased her confidence in working in different environments, which has meant Sarah is now also a project coordinator on our variety of projects and helps to keep things organised in the background throughout the year.
Kelvin Andrews
​The latest addition to the CSA team. Kelvin’s thirty year international career in music and DJing brings a wealth of creative experience to the fold. Despite his success (including seven Top 20 UK hits and two Ivor Novello Award nominations) Kelvin has always been passionate about music, art and high level cultural event curation in his home town. Recently adding filmmaking and radio documentary production to his skillset, he brings a wide-ranging and dynamic energy to the Centre Space Arts crew.
Chris Altham
Cartoonist & creative mix designer Chris Altham was naturally drawn to Centre Space Arts after creating a 40 foot wide hand-drawn cartoon mural for us.
The 'creative mix' covers many interwoven community, commercial design and production fields from his successful 36 year career. From storyboarding the 2002 Japan FIFA World Cup Mascots (Spheriks animated series), to creating award winning global cancer awareness campaigns for the pharma industry, long-term promotions of mental health and community issues, are just snippets of his work achievements.
Chris has a passion for creative education and runs cartoon drawing classes with his wife Irene, for all ages and abilities via face-to-face and on-line classes.
Callie
This is Callie. Callie may only be 4 years old but what she may lack in experience, she makes up for in buckets full of enthusiasm and curiosity. Callie is great at sniffing out opportunities and keeps us all on our toes; and reminds us to get out more for some fresh air. Callie is our official mascot and is happy to provide a constant supply of morale and serotonin to us all (unless she doesn’t get her treats that is).
ACCOSIATED ARTISTS
Keith Brymer Jones
Our Patron
I met Darren and Sarah in 2016 while filming The Great Pottery Throw down in Stoke. Darren invited me to create an art installation to celebrate the workforce of Spode (Absent Tribe). As we worked on the project from early on it was clear his enthusiasm for extolling the rich manufacturing history from Stoke was infectious.
As we worked together on Absent Tribe it was evident that Centre Space Arts was more than just a vehicle for recoding the history of Stoke, it also looked to the future, encouraging and exhibiting work for a wide spectrum of contemporary artists in and around the Stoke-On-Trent area. CSA has a practical, detailed approach highlighting the incredibly creative work that is being produced in the local area. It's wide range of in-house skills from photography, to marketing to even management make it the perfect partner to enhance any artist's work, and give the time and respect to bring it to the wider public audience.
Jerome Whittingham
Jerome is a documentary photographer, audio journalist, reporter, and interviewer. He has over 25 years experience of providing media support to organisations in the non-profit sector. Jerome has a broad interest in social issues, culture, conservation, the environment, and the arts. He regularly reports on topics such as social enterprise, community development, environmental issues, food sustainability, and the arts. He is Co-Creator and Editor of www.sotculture.co.uk, a culture project celebrating the arts and culture of North Staffordshire. He has been a regular contributor to local BBC and community radio stations.