‘I participated as an artist in two of Shelley and Emma’s programmes, the Making of Us and the New Exchange. I found their approach to structuring and facilitating the programmes to be very inclusive and thoughtful. For the first time, I felt comfortable requesting that my access needs be met without fear of being seen as a burden. Shelley and Emma brought in practitioners who helped me develop my creative practice while also considering my health boundaries and well-being. Since participating in these programmes, I have introduced similar learning styles to various organisations and charities. I am grateful for the nurturing support I received from Shelley and Emma as an emerging artist. It provided me with a healthy structure to pursue my creative practice.’
Jamie-Lee Wainman, Artist, Wainman Design
‘FS Creative were a joy to work with. As Creative Producers for artists and groups receiving St Helens Borough of Culture Open Grant awards, they hit the ground running and supported grant recipients to deliver their projects successfully. They were efficient, responsive, thoughtful, organised and 100% reliable. Thank-you!’
Cath Shea, Arts Development Manager, St Helens Borough Council
‘When embarking on the ambitious Making of Us project we knew a safe and trusted pair of hands was needed. From the outset Emma and Shelley listened carefully to us, and to the artists. They created and delivered an artist development programme that has been truly transformational for everyone involved. Between them they managed the complexities of delivering the work during the pandemic, and later during our significant organisational change, without ever compromising on quality.
Emma and Shelley bring such a valuable combination of skills to their work, supporting our small team to achieve things we wouldn’t have thought possible. Making of Us has exceeded everyone’s expectations, and will no doubt have a lasting legacy for years to come, not just for the artists and the partners, but also for Leigh.’
Hannah Gaunt, Former Learning and Engagement Manager,
The Turnpike CIC, Leigh
‘Having known Shelley and Emma from FS Creative for many years (in different capacities), I knew they would be a pivotal support mechanism for our recent organisational development work funded by Arts Council England. Through their attention to detail, openness, honesty and listening, Shelley and Emma shared their vast experience of the art sector, helping guide us through conversation-led processes to unearth and expose the fundamental aspects making up Mark Devereux Projects.
They helped us feel comfortable to discuss difficult conversations, which have already led to some big changes for the organisation. Mixing between facilitating, advising, mentoring and coaching, FS Creative were an integral backbone to the work we were able to achieve during this period. We would highly recommend FS Creative to any organisation, artist collective or studio group wanting to spend time investigating what is core to their work.’
Mark Devereux, Director, Mark Devereux Projects
‘Shelley and Emma supported us through a crucial period of change and ambitious development at The Birley. They offered a much needed objective perspective, and really helped us to recognise our successes as well as identifying areas for improvement. Following the consultation period we are now implementing more sustainable ways of working. You can rely on Shelley and Emma for great enthusiasm, being extremely organised, and bringing a positive approach!’
Stephanie Fletcher, Co-Director, The Birley
‘Emma and Shelley are a joy to work with. Calm, collected and incredibly efficient – they effortlessly handle the most complex of projects with consummate ease. Capable of wearing numerous hats simultaneously, in my experience they are always across their brief – whether that’s effectively running a membership network, writing a successful funding application or devising a memorable CPD event. If you need someone to facilitate positive change in your organisation or partnership I cannot recommend them highly enough.’
Shaun Romain, Culture, Heritage & Creative Industries Consultant
FS Creative 