MEET THE STAFF
We are a small part-time staff team but with our Trustees, artists, volunteers and casual workers we are around 40 strong!
We now operate remotely, with us all working from home. Email any of us if you have any questions.
We look after our staff team and believe in leading with kindness. We strive for excellence in everything we do and support our staff to be able to work to their full potential.
Staff benefits include:
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Cost of living increases made annually where possible and appropriate.
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Pension scheme with NEST pensions of 5% employers contribution, 3% employee.
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5.8 weeks holidays plus 1 year per extra between 2years- 5 years service pro-rata.
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A gifted an additional days’ annual leave for birthdays.
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Support for training with budget agreed each year
CAROLYN USHER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
(Maternity Cover)
After studying Communication and Cultural Policy and Media at university in Leeds, Carolyn worked in Education and Outreach at the Sunderland Empire in her home region of the North East, working on a range of events and projects for schools, young people and those who may not have otherwise engaged in theatre/performing arts.
In 2010, Carolyn moved to Sheffield and gained a Masters degree in Cultural Policy and Management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring.
Over the last 13 years, Carolyn has worked on European and British Council funded projects, supporting personal and professional development through a range of coaching and mentoring programmes, including some wonderful projects supporting female artists across Europe to develop confidence and skills for business.
Outside of work, Carolyn teaches Iyengar Yoga and enjoys spending time with her two little people, going on (usually very muddy!) outdoor adventures and reading.
KATIE SMITH
ADMINISTRATOR
Katie is a passionate believer in volunteering and getting involved in her local community. She has been working as Ignite Imaginations’ administrator since September 2011. Before that she had a variety of work roles, including admin, marketing and working with children and volunteers at after school and holiday clubs.
Since joining the organisation she has increased her involvement in recruiting and inducting new volunteers and uses her love or writing to publicise the organisation through press releases and social media. She enjoys working for such a creative and nurturing organisation that aims to bring art to everyone.
VICKI ROLLEY
PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR (Maternity leave)
Vicki has been working at Ignite Imaginations for 9 years the last four of these as project co Ordinator. Throughout that time she has enjoyed working on a variety of different projects and learning more and more about the creative city of Sheffield and connecting with the different people and groups. She believes that everyone especially children deserve the opportunity to be creative and use their imagination and have a chance to think and learn through the medium or arts. It is amazing to see Children unlock their potential through just having the opportunity to be creative, equally as incredible is watching adults give themselves a chance to be creative like when they will children.
In addition to working for Ignite Imaginations Vicki is a Freelance Event Manager and works for many other organisations including Children's Media Conference, Leeds International Film Festival, Sheffield Documentary Festival and Music in the Round.
Outside of work Vicki can often be found using her imagination and singing her heart out at the various music classes available for her and her toddler in Sheffield as well as exploring the peak district and it's pubs with friends and family.
LUISA GOLOB
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
(Maternity leave)
After studying Psychology at Sheffield University in 2002, I worked for a number of charities including Barnardo’s (mentoring young people), Safe@Last (fundraiser) and Leeds City Council (organising large arts event) before becoming CEO at Ignite Imaginations in 2008. I have previously been on the steering group for SNAP and Sheffield Arts and Wellbeing Network and board member and chair for the Sheffield Creative Guild.
Outside of Ignite Imaginations I have been involved in running Sharrow Lantern Carnival since 2006 and co-manage the craft brewery On the Edge.
I love painting, walking, climbing, generally being outside and gardening! Oh and dancing!
LIZA FIGUEROA-CLARK
PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR (Maternity cover)
Liza firmly believes that art is for all, and that it can have a profound impact on people's wellbeing and outlook. She worked for 14 years as a programme manager and communications manager for Hear Me Out, an independent arts and social justice charity delivering workshops in UK immigration detention centres and a wide variety of schools and community groups around the country, seeking to amplify people's voices and connect them through music.
Liza also works for an independent social issue film production and distribution company. Her career has included working as a journalist, translator, and editor and in the voluntary sector in various roles supporting migrant communities in the UK.
Since moving to Sheffield in 2021, Liza has been enjoying getting to know the city and the beautiful Peak District. She enjoys practising yoga, reviving her love of arts and crafts, and spending time with her children.