OUR TEAM
Paradise Works is an artist-led organisation run by a small, dedicated team, with the support of our studio artist community, collaborators and friends.
Jessica Bennett | Director
Jessica Bennett is an independent curator whose practice explores the conditions of contemporary society and how we might build a future rooted in sustainability, solidarity and care.
She has worked with organisations including Liverpool Biennial, The NewBridge Project, System Gallery, PINK and Factory International (Manchester International Festival). As Director of Paradise Works, Jessica leads the organisation's artistic vision and programme, supporting artists and developing opportunities for creative practice and collaboration.
Adam Rawlinson | Studio Manager
Adam Rawlinson is an artist who joined Paradise Works in 2023 through the University of Salford Graduate Scholarship programme, before going on to receive the Haworth Trust Scholarship. Both programmes support graduating and early-career artists through access to studio space and opportunities for artistic development.
Having experienced these programmes firsthand, Adam brings an understanding of the needs of emerging artists to his role as Studio Manager. He supports the day-to-day running of the building and studios, helping to maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for the Paradise Works community.
Kayt Woods | Programme Manager
Kayt Woods is a North West-based artist, producer and educator whose practice explores ways of making art and the wider arts sector more accessible. Her work seeks to demystify creative processes and remove barriers to participation, often through collaborative, participatory and interactive approaches.
As a producer, she develops opportunities and frameworks that support artistic engagement and development. She has worked with organisations including FACT Liverpool, The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery and British Art Show. As Programme Manager at Paradise Works, Kayt supports the development and delivery of the artistic programme, working closely with artists and collaborators.
Maisie Pritchard | Artist & Studio Coordinator
Maisie Pritchard is an artist, creative facilitator and studio holder at Paradise Works. Her practice spans sculpture, ceramics and participatory projects, with a focus on materials, making and process.
She is interested in how people interact with artworks and spaces, and how participation can shape both the process and outcome of a work. As Artist & Studio Coordinator, Maisie supports the studio community, coordinating membership, artist communications and opportunities, while developing ways for artists to connect, contribute and help shape Paradise Works.
Gabrielle Sargent | Marketing Manager
Gabrielle Sargent is a Maltese artist and arts marketing professional with a background in classical music and performance. Having trained as an opera singer, she brings an artist's perspective to her work in marketing and communications, with a particular interest in making the arts more accessible and connecting audiences with the people and stories behind creative work.
Her experience spans arts organisations, festivals and artist-led spaces, including BBC Radio 3, Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Buxton International Festival, Whitworth Art Gallery and RNCM. As Marketing Manager, Gabrielle leads on communications, digital content and audience engagement, sharing the work of Paradise Works and its artistic community with wider audiences.
OUR FOUNDERS
Lucy Harvey
Lucy is an artist, educator and facilitator from Greater Manchester. She established Paradise Works in 2017 alongside Hilary Jack.
Her practice is research-led and uses objects, materials and processes to explore the ways that people are documented in material culture and place.
Hilary Jack
Hilary is an artist and board member at Paradise Works. She established Paradise Works in 2017 alongside Lucy Harvey.
Her research based practice explores socio-political aspects of our daily lives through UK and International exhibitions, projects and commissions.
OUR BOARD
Alex Bennett
Rehka Dosaj
Hilary Jack
Kwong Lee
Kerenza McClarnan
Maria Percival
Gaynor Seville
Your donation will go directly towards supporting our artist studios, programming, and essential running costs—ensuring we can keep hosting open studios, events, and sustaining our vibrant artistic community in Salford.