Katia Del Rio Smith (They/Them) is a Croydon Based Freelance, Multidisciplinary Artist and Facilitator with a background in Theatre, Music, Movement, Videography and Scenic and Costume Design. Artistically preoccupied with Socially engaged work, work that activates and provokes discussion or debate, this has influenced Katia’s approach to arts administration. Through the Borough of Culture and now in its legacy Katia works as the Young Creative Lead, working as the chair of the Youth Arts Advisory Group and advocating the importance of youth arts within the sector and ensuring that the youth voice is championed within everything we do.
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Katie is a born and bred Croydonite who wears many creative hats. Fuelled by a passion for brave, playful storytelling and connecting with diverse audiences, Katie has written and performed at acclaimed venues such as: Park Theatre, Theatre503, The Pleasance, Old Red Lion and VAULT Festival. Her web-series 'Bronzed', set in a sunbed shop in Croydon, earned her a finalist position in The Funny Women awards(2020) and this summer she'll be taking her debut solo show, 'You're SO F**King Croydon!' to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Katie is also the associate director of annual theatre and performance festival, Croydonites and works as a freelance producer across a variety of local arts projects and events.
Beyond her artistic pursuits Katie enjoys spicy margaritas, eating pasta and dancing to UK garage with friends (not at the same time), and chilling at home with her husband Nic and cat Skepta!
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Honey is a British-Nigerian actor, director, coach and voiceover artist. A proud Croydonite, she hopes that Culture Croydon will enhance the town's visibility, showcasing it as a hub for creativity and remarkable experiences. A lover of all things Disney, Shakespeare and Sci-Fi, her acting credits include: Zoo Co’s Bossy Tour, A Sherlock Carol, HBO’s The Nevers, The Show Must Go Online, Theatre Témoin's NHS Yarns and Will & Co.’s Bard in the Yard. She is also a member of the Dangerosity Actors and Writers Company, which offers actor workshops, supports writers, and produces its own shows and tours.
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Hi, I’m B. I live and grew up in Croydon with my family on both sides from the borough too! As one of Turf Projects' (https://turf-projects.com/) CoFounders and CoDirectors I focus on organisational development, strategy and operations, which also encompasses fundraising and financial management. Previously I've worked in commercial marketing, as well as house clearance & sustainability sectors - so I have a particular interest in creative reuse!
I'm also very interested in places and spaces and how the decisions and power over them shape our lives. I hope to contribute towards more organisations finding space and stability in the Borough, with a focus on sharing; shared space, shared resources, shared solidarity, and supporting what's here rather than trying to sculpt Croydon into something else. There were very few spaces and opportunities in Croydon for creatives when setting up Turf - we set out to create our own. It's this spirit of hope and possibility I want all with ideas in the borough to have.
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Riah is a freelancer/consultant with more than 15 years’ experience working in the art world, including as Head of Development for Southend’s Focal Point gallery, Head of Programmes for The Cheltenham Trust and work on multiple placemaking campaigns (including Radical Essex). She also enjoys writing for multiple publications, primarily The Art Newspaper.
She has no spare time as, outside of work, she is chasing after toddlers and dogs. However, if she did, she would enjoy hunting down antiques and indulging in sewing.
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Dan is CEO/AD at Stanley Arts, a 120 year old grade 2 listed Edwardian masterpiece which has a growing profile as a modern, dynamic, radically inclusive arts venue. Stanley Arts is now a National Portfolio Organisation funded by Art Council England.
He was also the chair of the steering group for Croydon's year as London Borough of Culture; funded by The Mayor of London and Croydon Council; and is now Treasurer of the new legacy body, Culture Croydon.
Dan was raised in Bolton, Lancashire, but has been working in London for the past 20 years. He has a PhD in Physics but in 2006 he graduated as an actor. He has worked as a theatre maker, venue manager, producer, director and writer.