Forgan Arts Centre is managed by a team of staff with support from committed volunteers and Board of Trustees.
During a career in the public, private, and third sector Kenny has enjoyed a number roles including in teaching, lecturing, and project management and as an education officer and head of service. In his last post he was Education Support Officer Arts and Culture and Head of the Instrumental Music Service for Dundee City Council where he was also responsible for the project management of a number of high profiled partnership projects. During this period he was seconded for a time to Education Scotland where he helped to establish the Music Education Partnership Group working closely with Scottish Government to ensure a more fair and equitable access to music education for all leading to a national policy change of free music tuition for all children and young people. He is a Trustee of Angus Alive, responsible for public arts, heritage, sports and cultural offers in the county and in 2020 was invited to become a trustee of Dundee Pride. Kenny leads on fundraising and development at the centre, successfully securing core and project funding.
Kenny works Monday-Friday.
During a career in the public, private, and third sector Kenny has enjoyed a number roles including in teaching, lecturing, and project management and as an education officer and head of service. In his last post he was Education Support Officer Arts and Culture and Head of the Instrumental Music Service for Dundee City Council where he was also responsible for the project management of a number of high profiled partnership projects. During this period he was seconded for a time to Education Scotland where he helped to establish the Music Education Partnership Group working closely with Scottish Government to ensure a more fair and equitable access to music education for all leading to a national policy change of free music tuition for all children and young people. He is a Trustee of Angus Alive, responsible for public arts, heritage, sports and cultural offers in the county and in 2020 was invited to become a trustee of Dundee Pride. Kenny leads on fundraising and development at the centre, successfully securing core and project funding.
Kenny works Monday-Friday.
Désirée Coral is an Ecuadorian artist who received her MFA degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Désirée is currently a Doctoral researcher at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design at the University of Dundee in Scotland. She explores and examines early global exchanges from the Americas to the rest of the world and vice versa. She is an artist/researcher at the Botanical Gardens of the University of Dundee. Désirée was the Glasgow Seed Library’s first artist/researcher in residence at the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow.
Désirée is part time, working Wednesday-Friday.
Désirée Coral is an Ecuadorian artist who received her MFA degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Désirée is currently a Doctoral researcher at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design at the University of Dundee in Scotland. She explores and examines early global exchanges from the Americas to the rest of the world and vice versa. She is an artist/researcher at the Botanical Gardens of the University of Dundee. Désirée was the Glasgow Seed Library’s first artist/researcher in residence at the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow.
Désirée is part time, working Wednesday-Friday.
Anna joined Forgan Arts Centre in 2018 and is the Studio & Operations Coordinator. Beginning in 2022, Anna has been developing the new artist studio programme and facilities. The centre is now home to ten studios for artists across art forms including visual art, sound, and textiles. Anna leads the Allotment Project. We have 20 private allotments for rent and intend to develop more facilities in the coming years to better support the year-round propagation of plants. Anna leads the centre’s operations in collaboration with all team members. Anna is a qualified and experienced designer working primarily with textiles and furniture upholstery. Her practice has taken her all over the world, from Europe to the US and China. She brings her experience and knowledge of design, textiles and upholstery to the centre’s busy programme of classes.
Anna is part time, working Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Anna joined Forgan Arts Centre in 2018 and is the Studio & Operations Coordinator. Beginning in 2022, Anna has been developing the new artist studio programme and facilities. The centre is now home to ten studios for artists across art forms including visual art, sound, and textiles. Anna leads the Allotment Project. We have 20 private allotments for rent and intend to develop more facilities in the coming years to better support the year-round propagation of plants. Anna leads the centre’s operations in collaboration with all team members. Anna is a qualified and experienced designer working primarily with textiles and furniture upholstery. Her practice has taken her all over the world, from Europe to the US and China. She brings her experience and knowledge of design, textiles and upholstery to the centre’s busy programme of classes.
Anna is part time, working Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Lorna is a self employed bookkeeper for the Centre. Lorna works part time, fulfilling all necessary accounting practices including the preparation of internal management accounts, processing invoices, and meeting the needs of the charities regulator, OSCR. Lorna has been a chartered management accountant since 2007 and has previously worked as both self-employed and employed for a number of small, medium, and large businesses. Lorna also has a passion for creative arts and crafts and has owned a craft business. Lorna is a Forgan Arts Centre enthusiast and attends one of our weekly pottery classes which she loves.
Lorna works part time and flexibly.
Lorna is a self employed bookkeeper for the Centre. Lorna works part time, fulfilling all necessary accounting practices including the preparation of internal management accounts, processing invoices, and meeting the needs of the charities regulator, OSCR. Lorna has been a chartered management accountant since 2007 and has previously worked as both self-employed and employed for a number of small, medium, and large businesses. Lorna also has a passion for creative arts and crafts and has owned a craft business. Lorna is a Forgan Arts Centre enthusiast and attends one of our weekly pottery classes which she loves.
Lorna works part time and flexibly.
Alana joined Forgan Arts Centre in 2016 as their then sole member of staff, utilising 20 years of experience in business management with an international lifestyle brand and work within the arts industry. Her work spans developing, delivering and often teaching creative outreach programmes and projects to all abilities as well as running her own jewellery business, teaching studios and artists’ collective. With a background rich in craft, she holds diplomas in Textile Design and a first-class honours degree in Jewellery & Design at Duncan of Jordanstone. Alana leads the development of the programme, especially the classes, workshops and courses. Alana’s experience across art forms and craft gives her a unique ability to anticipate the needs of artists and makers as well as class attendees. Under Alana’s leadership, the programme has grown from a small number of classes to a weekly programme of over 35 classes, workshops and courses led by master craftspeople and artists.
Alana works Monday-Thursday.
Alana joined Forgan Arts Centre in 2016 as their then sole member of staff, utilising 20 years of experience in business management with an international lifestyle brand and work within the arts industry. Her work spans developing, delivering and often teaching creative outreach programmes and projects to all abilities as well as running her own jewellery business, teaching studios and artists’ collective. With a background rich in craft, she holds diplomas in Textile Design and a first-class honours degree in Jewellery & Design at Duncan of Jordanstone. Alana leads the development of the programme, especially the classes, workshops and courses. Alana’s experience across art forms and craft gives her a unique ability to anticipate the needs of artists and makers as well as class attendees. Under Alana’s leadership, the programme has grown from a small number of classes to a weekly programme of over 35 classes, workshops and courses led by master craftspeople and artists.
Alana works Monday-Thursday.
Helena Simmons has an academic and research background, having completed a Botany B.Sc. (Hons) and a PhD at Glasgow University. Plants are the medium that can provide better biodiversity and climate outcomes, improve mental health and are needed to sustain ourselves, so after moving away from lab based research, Helena is keen to share her passion about plants via education and community engagement, working with volunteers in community gardens and with school groups. Plants are the foundations upon which all else rests. Helena leads on the strategy for the grounds and gardens working closely with volunteers, local people and partners to ensure the gardens are a site for climate action and activism, educating people in environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and gardening.
Helena is part time, working Saturdays and Mondays.
Helena Simmons has an academic and research background, having completed a Botany B.Sc. (Hons) and a PhD at Glasgow University. Plants are the medium that can provide better biodiversity and climate outcomes, improve mental health and are needed to sustain ourselves, so after moving away from lab based research, Helena is keen to share her passion about plants via education and community engagement, working with volunteers in community gardens and with school groups. Plants are the foundations upon which all else rests. Helena leads on the strategy for the grounds and gardens working closely with volunteers, local people and partners to ensure the gardens are a site for climate action and activism, educating people in environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and gardening.
Helena is part time, working Saturdays and Mondays.
Jen joined Forgan Arts Centre in April 2022 as the Centre’s first Director. Jen’s role is to lead the organisation through this period of change and expansion as the centre settles into it’s new home in Newport-on-Tay. A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art’s Painting & Printmaking course, Jen’s previous experience includes establishing venue and studio complex The Glue Factory and working within the programming teams of the CCA and Glasgow Short Film Festival before moving east to work with award-winning venue Summerhall, Maniplute Visual Theatre Festival, Stellar Quines, and as the inaugural Programme Associate at Edinburgh International Festival, co-curating the contemporary music programme, Light on the Shore at Leith Theatre. Jen’s experience as a programmer and producer centre artistic excellence, community connection, and inclusivity.
As the centre’s Director she supports the growing staff team and is responsible for the centre’s strategy, finances, operations, and development.
Jen works Monday-Thursday.
Jen joined Forgan Arts Centre in April 2022 as the Centre’s first Director. Jen’s role is to lead the organisation through this period of change and expansion as the centre settles into it’s new home in Newport-on-Tay. A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art’s Painting & Printmaking course, Jen’s previous experience includes establishing venue and studio complex The Glue Factory and working within the programming teams of the CCA and Glasgow Short Film Festival before moving east to work with award-winning venue Summerhall, Maniplute Visual Theatre Festival, Stellar Quines, and as the inaugural Programme Associate at Edinburgh International Festival, co-curating the contemporary music programme, Light on the Shore at Leith Theatre. Jen’s experience as a programmer and producer centre artistic excellence, community connection, and inclusivity.
As the centre’s Director she supports the growing staff team and is responsible for the centre’s strategy, finances, operations, and development.
Jen works Monday-Thursday.
CJ is employed by Forgan Arts Centre as a Duty Supervisor at weekends. CJ supports Helena, Garden Facilitator, and Mim, Studio Assistant, in their respective roles and pilots our monthly Coorie Community Café. During school holidays, she also works with the young artists in our Children’s Art Club providing support to lead artists and ensuring all children can fully engage with the activities. CJ also supports other activities in the centre including Living Table, On The Table, and various workshops and masterclasses. CJ’s professional background includes a range of third sector youth and community work across Tayside and further afield. If you’ve visited Forgan Arts Centre for any reason, you’ve probably met CJ! In addition to working for Forgan Arts Centre, CJ is currently studying art at DJCAD.
CJ is part time, primarily working Saturdays.
CJ is employed by Forgan Arts Centre as a Duty Supervisor at weekends. CJ supports Helena, Garden Facilitator, and Mim, Studio Assistant, in their respective roles and pilots our monthly Coorie Community Café. During school holidays, she also works with the young artists in our Children’s Art Club providing support to lead artists and ensuring all children can fully engage with the activities. CJ also supports other activities in the centre including Living Table, On The Table, and various workshops and masterclasses. CJ’s professional background includes a range of third sector youth and community work across Tayside and further afield. If you’ve visited Forgan Arts Centre for any reason, you’ve probably met CJ! In addition to working for Forgan Arts Centre, CJ is currently studying art at DJCAD.
CJ is part time, primarily working Saturdays.
Mim is our studio assistant at Forgan Arts Centre. She takes care of our pottery studio, implementing systems and processes to ensure its smooth and safe running. Mim also leads ceramics workshops for students of varying ages and abilities. A fine art graduate form Duncan of Jordanstone, Mim in their ceramics department supporting students of every level in the university. In addition to her technical work, Mim maintains her own ceramics practice with a focus on material culture and anthropology.
Mim is part time, primarily working Saturdays.
Mim is our studio assistant at Forgan Arts Centre. She takes care of our pottery studio, implementing systems and processes to ensure its smooth and safe running. Mim also leads ceramics workshops for students of varying ages and abilities. A fine art graduate form Duncan of Jordanstone, Mim in their ceramics department supporting students of every level in the university. In addition to her technical work, Mim maintains her own ceramics practice with a focus on material culture and anthropology.
Mim is part time, primarily working Saturdays.
Board of Trustees
Trudy Cunningham
Drew Hemment
Ailsa McKenzie, Treasurer
Kate Smith, Co Chair
Jonny Tepp
Gilbert Valentine
Judith Winter, Co Chair
