The Team

Michael Cullum

Voluntary Studio Facilitator

Michael has been a volunteer at Artspace on Tuesdays since September 2015. His background and training includes fine art, art therapy and psychotherapy and he has worked in NHS mental health services for a number of years. His own art practice often uses landscapes as a starting point for making images. He is interested in how artists at Artspace may find ways to develop their own art practice and how this might lead to a greater sense of well-being.

Jane Bentley

Trustee and volunteer Facilitator

Jane has worked in schools both in the UK and overseas where she promoted art despite lack of government vision. She passionately believes that art fosters creative spirit and mental well being and it has helped her through some dark times. She is especially interested in painting, printing and collage. Her most inspirational artists are Matisse and Katie Solihubb. Working with Artspace has brought her joy and new friends. She is firmly committed to its vision and the growth of the organisation.

Katy Whelan

Trustee

Katy joined Artspace in March 2021. She spent 22+ years in financial services including KPMG, UBS and 18 years in the corporate finance division at Deutsche Bank and is now a governance professional serving on several educational and charitable boards including DV8 Sussex and the London Film Academy. She is passionate about helping children and adults develop to their full potential particularly in the spheres of education and art.

Helen Pyper

Trustee, CHAIR

A lifelong campaigner, Helen is a public affairs professional in the not-for-profit sector. Having worked in influencing roles across sectors including child welfare, health, international development, and social welfare as well as within the wider Labour movement, she is currently working at an organisation which advocates for people in later life. Helen has been with Artspace since March 2019 and has found supporting the development and growth of Artspace hugely rewarding.

Clare Hughes

Trustee

Clare has taught in schools and colleges across the age range and has led teams that have provided educational and emotional support to students at Further and Higher education levels. She has been a Trustee for a local befriending charity and a Governor at a local Special School and has lived with her family in Brighton for over 40 years. Clare has been involved with ArtSpace for two years and facilitates occasional studio sessions. She is passionate about art and visits many galleries and exhibitions. Clare enjoys painting, printmaking and textile crafts.

Emily Beza

Trustee and Volunteer Studio Facilitator

Emily was a Studio Member in 2019. In 2021 she became a Studio Facilitator; she was then made a Trustee in 2023.Emily has been a practising Fine Artist for many years. She has a Masters Degree in Fine Art and has exhibited widely in the UK, abroad and has sold her art nationally and internationally.Emily feels that her developing role at Artspace has been integral to her own recovery and mental wellbeing. It has been great for her to use existing skills whilst learning new ones and helping other people progress, who are in the same boat.