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Naomi Heath

Aberystwyth
I’m Naomi Heath, a community engagement specialist and I work through co-creation at production scale. My work grows out of lived experience of community, place, and difference. I thrive in rural and smaller-language areas. Facilitating with care.
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Over years of working closely with communities, I’ve developed an approach I call Situated Facilitation. It comes from learning by doing, making mistakes, listening carefully, and adapting to what already exists. I start by asking simple questions: who is here, what matters to people, and what’s should we make together. 

I’ve been lucky to have my art exhibited across Europe and to have taken part in residencies with rural communities, from the Basque Country to rural pockets of Wales. Alongside that, I’ve supported and produced engagement for large, site-specific theatre festival, helping build audiences and connect people through shared stories. I’ve curated an international festival exhibition TOSTA space and embassy of cargo focused on small language for the Cultural Capital of Donostia. I’ve worked as a mentor and supported artists at different stages of their journey. I’ve worked on many of the Lead Schools Projects since 2016 with the Arts Council of Wales. 

Lived Experience

What matters to me is place and culture, especially in rural settings, and a belief that art is a powerful way to listen. Stories shape the world/ I’m passionate about language: small languages, local stories, the names of fields and butterflies: because they hold the keys to identity and belonging. I bring my care of biodiversity and cultural diversity and place based understanding.

My approach is relational. I work with openness and joy, holding space for people to find their voice. I'm fearlessly caring and remind people that engagement is dialogue and we champion access, inclusion and sustainability especially when it is hard. 

I don’t see projects as something that end when funding ends. I stay in relationship with communities, supporting reflection, growth, and shared ownership over time. 

I have worked with thousands of people across Wales, community groups like metal detectorists, farmers, community hubs and so many more to co create work together. Sometimes in the street, sometimes in someone's house and even one time up a tree. We make together. 

 

Disco on a Farm

Cynefin - Maps to home

Hannah's Garden

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