Ashley Chapman

Hello, I'm Ashley I have been a part of the People's forum for the last 3 years. I originally got involved with MIF/ The Factory when I was involved in MUD's, Plattfields Market Gardens Festival in my home video.

I am a Salford resident, born and bred and work at Salford CVS supporting the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and love being able to give Salford a voice during the discussions we have at the People's Forum.

Candice Hull

I’m Candice! An adopted Mancunian but definitely see this place as my home having spent more than half my life here. I spend my day with my head in spreadsheets and PowerPoint… but outside of work, I have a huge passion for arts and culture - especially in Greater Manchester. I have volunteered for Factory / MIF since 2019 and was part of the Factory Assembly that co-curated The Welcome at Aviva Studios in November 2023. I’m super keen in making sure this amazing new building is accessible and visited by all corners of this great city!

Catherine Fyfe

I'm Catherine, a theatre-loving Mancunian from Old Trafford, mother of two fantastic kids. I teach Drama in a secondary school and I love to dance. I’ve participated in various MIF projects, including Sea Change, Free Your Mind and Deep Flow, which were fabulous and life-changing experiences!

Dorretta Maynard

My name is Dorretta Maynard born and bred in the Great City of Manchester. I have two children and two grandchildren. I love family life and caring and sharing my gifts and talents to help others.

I got involved with Peoples Forum after Being involved in the Factory Academy after Auditioning and being selected to be involved in the portraits of Black Britain by Cephas Williams after which I came on board as a community member and worked closely with the team at MIF to host the Open day of the new factory Studios Aviva Studios and iI am now proud to say I am one of the People's Forum delegates continuing the great works of community liaison interest and support.

Ezekiel Akin Adelakun

Ezekiel Akin Adelakun arrived in Manchester from Africa 21 years ago to study Construction Project Management at MSc level at Manchester University. Since then, he has made Manchester his home.

He is involved in work across multiple fields, particularly in construction, African community and his faith group.

In addition to his professional endeavours, Ezekiel is highly regarded as a community advocate, frequently engaging in initiatives that support the elderly in his community.

He is known for his collaborative spirit, which has earned him respect as a mentor and influencer within his local circles.

Jennifer-Anne Smith

Jenni is CEO of Salford Loaves and Fishes. A charity supporting the homeless, people at risk of becoming homeless, the vulnerable and isolated

The charity is based in Pendelton which is in the lowest 1% of Deprivation in the UK and many of our community members live in absolute poverty. We support over 3000 people each year who make over 23,000 visits to our centre. As an organisation we understand how creativity, the arts and culture enrich peoples lives and we have achieved some fantastic outcomes from creative projects we have been involved in.

Being a part of the People's forum enables me to learn about opportunities, find out what's on at Factory that local people can attend and it gives a voice to our communities.

Josef Minta

I'm Josef, an artist, poet and Art teacher from Bury where I live with my wife and two sons. After hosting a festival in my house, I co-curated Looking Forward to Tomorrow and The Welcome. Being part of the Forum is a chance to share and shape the amazing work which is being done here at Aviva Studios.

Kofo Kego

Kofo Kego Oyeleye is a social entrepreneur and Founder of Reboot and Vote Elect Stand, who is passionate about improving lives, whether that’s through personal mentoring or public service. As such, he has dedicated his life’s work to enabling individuals and organisations identify resources, maximise opportunities, make positive impact and leave lasting legacies.

He has worked with and contributed to projects with the Uber, Greater Manchester Police, Laing O Rourke, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Factory International, Manchester Art Gallery, University of Melbourne amongst others

Lesley Cheung

After working in PR, I decided to pursue my long-time passion of the arts professionally, which brought me to Manchester and the Factory Academy. The experience of delivering regular spot talks at a new museum in Asia gave me a view of embedding a new venue in public life. As a forum member, I hope to champion creative opportunities and careers, and help people enjoy the city through cultural experiences.

Marc McGarraghy

I’m Marc, from Altrincham(born and raised in Prestwich). A passionate advocate for music and the arts in Manchester you’ll often find me at gigs around town either supporting live music from the crowd or in my work as a music photographer. MIF broadened my experience of the arts in this great city and being a forum member gives me the chance to help make these amazing experiences and our fantastic venue available to

Margarette Lee-Chapman

I'm Margarette from Rhodes. I'm a mother of three grown-up children with seven grandchildren. I manage a team of SEND advisers. I have volunteered for eight MIF festivals and have always supported children's involvement in the arts, whilst working in schools. This prompted me to become a People's Forum member.

Miça Quartey

I'm Miça from Miles Platting or Ancoats. I work in communications for the City of Manchester, capturing events for social media. My two Hungarian Pulik dogs are locally famous for their dread-like cords. Participating in MIF's Sea Change (2021) and Free Your Mind (2024) reignited my passion for the arts. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience them.

Paula Curran

Hi my names Paula, I live in Chorlton , I’m a mental health social worker and work with the homeless community in Manchester. I used to be a massive clubber when I was younger, but now I’m getting older I am hugely into the arts. I come from a working class background and my hope would be to get more working class people engaged in the arts also. I love being in the peoples forum and being able to be a critical friend I find my job quite stressful and Aviva Studios and Factory International is a great escape.

Prince Mitti

Hi, I'm Prince. I am a musician living in Salford. I love creating art that brings different people together. I joined the Forum as I wanted to be a part of the decisions being made to make this great place Factory International stay great and inclusive.