Directors
Sarbjit Natt
I graduated from Cleveland College of Art and Design in Teesside in 1985, specialising in print and embroidery.
Since then, I have been involved in developing my studio practice, while also taking my studio out into the community where I have been able to share my skills and knowledge of textiles. Working with hard to reach and vulnerable groups in a wide range of informal and formal settings has always been a priority.
My career and passion for working with young people began in 1991 when I was the arts specialist for Westminster Youth Service. This gave me a fantastic opportunity to develop youth arts activities across the city. These ranged from outreach and detached projects to those in youth centres. I become a qualified part time youth worker.
In 1993 I became a sessional tutor with ‘A’ Team Arts, working with Geraldine Bone. Together we developed numerous projects as a way to bring communities together, and introduce learners to the arts as a platform through which to aspire.
Projects included the Shamiana Mughal Tent, LIFT Journey to Utopia, Shapla Mother as Education Project and the Dream Garden. This project enabled young people from the Berner Estate to create an amazing garden space using recycled materials. This highlighted sustainability, global environmental issues, and biodiversity.
From 1999-2002 I worked as a Community Artist with Poplar HARCA, becoming a permanent member of ‘A’ Team in 2002, where I have worked intensively with Geraldine and other colleagues for almost two decades to provide free art activities across Tower Hamlets.
Since 2021, I have carried on working with Geraldine in order to to help set up A Team Arts Education C.I.C. We put young people at the heart of the organisation by involving them in all aspects of our work and delivery. These shared values have helped to establish a healthy and creative community of young talent.
Geraldine Bowyer
My degree is in textiles, specialising in embroidery, but I also have a background in puppetry and theatre design, working with small theatre companies across a range of formal and informal settings including street performances.
My community arts career began with the Greater London Council Playleadership team, which involved playschemes and adventure playgrounds. I was able to take part in a dynamic new project with a small group of actors whereby we devised and delivered a participatory show with related arts workshops. This toured all over the GLC area during the summer holidays. I also ran drop-in workshops as part of the GLC fundays on the South Bank.
I began working as a tutor for ‘A’ Team Arts in 1983, becoming full time in 1985, and manager in 2002. I love working with young people and have found them to be a constant source of inspiration throughout my career.
It is my firm belief that everyone should be able to reach their full potential, contribute to society and be a positive force. I met Sarbjit in 1993 whilst I was co-ordinating the Tower Hamlets response to the Victoria and Albert Museum’s international Shamiana-the Moghul Tent project and we have worked together ever since, sharing values and skills and ways of working with young people.
Directors
Sarbjit Natt
I graduated from Cleveland College of Art and Design in Teesside in 1985, specialising in print and embroidery.
Since then, I have been involved in developing my studio practice, while also taking my studio out into the community where I have been able to share my skills and knowledge of textiles. Working with hard to reach and vulnerable groups in a wide range of informal and formal settings has always been a priority.
My career and passion for working with young people began in 1991 when I was the arts specialist for Westminster Youth Service. This gave me a fantastic opportunity to develop youth arts activities across the city. These ranged from outreach and detached projects to those in youth centres. I become a qualified part time youth worker.
In 1993 I became a sessional tutor with ‘A’ Team Arts, working with Geraldine Bone. Together we developed numerous projects as a way to bring communities together, and introduce learners to the arts as a platform through which to aspire.
Projects included the Shamiana Mughal Tent, LIFT Journey to Utopia, Shapla Mother as Education Project and the Dream Garden. This project enabled young people from the Berner Estate to create an amazing garden space using recycled materials. This highlighted sustainability, global environmental issues, and biodiversity.
From 1999-2002 I worked as a Community Artist with Poplar HARCA, becoming a permanent member of ‘A’ Team in 2002, where I have worked intensively with Geraldine and other colleagues for almost two decades to provide free art activities across Tower Hamlets.
Since 2021, I have carried on working with Geraldine in order to to help set up A Team Arts Education C.I.C. We put young people at the heart of the organisation by involving them in all aspects of our work and delivery. These shared values have helped to establish a healthy and creative community of young talent.
Geraldine Bowyer
My degree is in textiles, specialising in embroidery, but I also have a background in puppetry and theatre design, working with small theatre companies across a range of formal and informal settings including street performances.
My community arts career began with the Greater London Council Playleadership team, which involved playschemes and adventure playgrounds. I was able to take part in a dynamic new project with a small group of actors whereby we devised and delivered a participatory show with related arts workshops. This toured all over the GLC area during the summer holidays. I also ran drop-in workshops as part of the GLC fundays on the South Bank.
I began working as a tutor for ‘A’ Team Arts in 1983, becoming full time in 1985, and manager in 2002. I love working with young people and have found them to be a constant source of inspiration throughout my career.
It is my firm belief that everyone should be able to reach their full potential, contribute to society and be a positive force. I met Sarbjit in 1993 whilst I was co-ordinating the Tower Hamlets response to the Victoria and Albert Museum’s international Shamiana-the Moghul Tent project and we have worked together ever since, sharing values and skills and ways of working with young people.