Who we are
Since 2020, archipelago arts collective has been making art that speaks to the world around us.
We’ve collaborated with 120 artists and over 1500 participants to shape new, bold work that champions untold stories that bring us together.
Across the last 6 years our work has provided thrilling, joyful and accessible experiences for over 60,000 audience members.
The Archipelago Team
Beth Knight
co-director | directing & dramaturgy lead
Beth is a director, dramaturg and facilitator with a focus on developing new, dynamic and heart-full theatre through a collaborative and socially-engaged practice.
She collaborates closely with writers, actors and participants with the aim of creating generous and bold work that platforms untold stories and highlights shared experiences.
She has worked nationally as a director with organisations including the National Theatre, Sheffield Theatres, Leeds Playhouse, Storyhouse and Contact Theatre
Seán Ryan
co-director | music & sound lead
Seán is a composer, musician and sound designer who makes new work with a focus on innovative approaches to how people experience music.
He works across artistic disciplines including theatre, music, and film and his creative practice centres on collaboration, co-creation and reactivity to artists, participants, and audiences.
Shreya is an actor and musician based in Hertfordshire.
She started working with archipelago arts collective in 2021, working on projects such as A Call to Care and Mother of the Revolution.
She was drawn to archipelago due to the nature of their work: championing underrepresented stories with empowering, bold theatre in unconventional, community-focused spaces.
Georgina Sykes
chair | board member
Georgina is an arts and culture marketer, currently at Castle Howard, the world-famous stately home and visitor attraction in North Yorkshire.
Georgina’s background in theatre has informed creative marketing campaigns and strategies promoting cultural experiences that start at the very first interaction, and she has delivered award-winning marketing and brand campaigns across the arts and attractions industries.
Georgina has worked in marketing and media at Leeds Playhouse in West Yorkshire, Tapestry Opera in Toronto, and now Castle Howard, whose much-loved Christmas events have grown exponentially in recent years, delighting over 100,000 visitors in 2024.
Shreya M Patel
board member
Esther Abramson
board member
Esther is a linguist, a creative practitioner and a climate activist with a deep interest in creative expression, culture and community which she has been able to explore through her work with Culture Declares Emergency, an international place-based network of people and organisations working to create a better future, for people and planet.
She is a proud introvert, and although she loves working with people and collaborating on things she’s passionate about, she often needs to retreat to solitude and nature to recharge.