About Maya
Based in the South West of England, Maya is a multidisciplinary artist with over 25 years of experience spanning visual art, performance, and community engagement. Whose practice is deeply rooted in participatory art, engaging diverse communities both in the UK and internationally. Through large-scale projects, installations, performances, carnival, and lantern commissions, creating inclusive, accessible, and collaborative experiences that foster creativity, confidence, and connection.
Maya’s approach is immersive and socially engaged, creating space for individuals and communities to explore their creative potential. She is passionate about the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and enhance well-being—always mindful of environmental impact and committed to using sustainable materials such as willow, found objects, fabric, and recycled materials.
Moving away from purely socially engaged projects, she also seeks to explore her own artistic voice through site-specific installations, sculptures, and performance-based works, with an emphasis on personal expression and conceptual depth. Work is often site-specific, ranging from ephemeral interventions to more structured performances.
With extensive experience in project management, Maya brings strong communication, diplomacy, and organizational skills to every collaboration. An ability to adapt to ever-changing environments allows navigation of complex projects (Calais, Ethiopia, India), with resourcefulness and innovation. Whether leading large-scale community-based projects or developing intricate stage and site décor, each commission is approached with a meticulous balance of creativity and precision.
Over the years, Maya has delivered workshops and public art initiatives in schools, festivals, and community settings, working with participants of all ages and abilities. This dedication to inclusivity and engagement is reflected in long-standing collaborations with renowned cultural institutions, including WOMAD, and Glastonbury Festival.
Most recent commissions include projects with The Holburne Museum, Bath, Gloucester’s Bright Nights Festival, and The (first) Govandi Arts Festival; A residency commissioned by The British Council as part of ‘India/UK Together Season of Culture’ Mumbai. She also has work on long term loan to Rockaway Park.
Selected Projects
2024: Tiger Lantern – Designer, Artist, Maker, Community Artist.
2023: Govandi Arts Festival, Mumbai, India – Residency Commissioned by The British Council as part of *India/UK Together: Season of Culture*, as a small team design, facilitation and delivery of a lantern procession with marginalised communities.
2022: Bright Nights, Glow Globes Commission, Gloucester (Designer, Artist, Maker).
2020: Lantern Procession (Artseen) – Founder, Designer, Creative Director, Lead Artist (Hybrid Design Adapted for Lockdown Regulations).
2015: Calais Refugee Camp – Outreach Workshops, Facilitating Lantern-Making with the refugee community.
2014–2016: Holburne Lantern Procession, Bath (Artist, Designer, Maker).
2012–present: Gloucester Lantern Procession (Artist, Designer, Maker).
2011–present: WOMAD Foundation (UK & Europe) – Large-Scale Community Carnival Creations.
2010: Thames Festival – Life-size Tiger Sculpture (Collaboration with Mark Coreth).
2009: Channel 4 – ‘Kevin McCloud’s Man & Shed’ (Design & Build – Wickerman).
2006: Buddha Sculpture, Corsham Secondary School (Designer, Artist, Maker).
2005–2008: ‘Unnatural Acts’, Tate Modern, Henley Regatta, Buckingham Palace (Costume/Structure Design, Construction & Performance).
2005: Festival of a Thousand Stars, Arba Minch Ethiopia – Creative director. Design, Production.
2004–2008: ‘Incarnations – Living Statues’, V&A Museum, Blenheim Palace, Oxford (Performance, Management).
2002–present: Glastonbury Festival of Music & Performing Arts-stage and site decor-Designer, Artist, Maker.
1999: Bristol Millennium Celebrations - Lead artist, design, build.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and Public Liability insurance, ensuring safe and professional practice in all my endeavors.
Clients & Collaborations:
The V&A Museum, Buckingham Palace, Blenheim Palace, Tate Modern, Henley Regatta, ‘Festival of 1000 Stars’ Ethiopia, WOMAD, Greenpeace, Glastonbury Festival, In Between Times Festival, Bristol, Keynsham music festival, The Holburne Museum, Animate Exeter, Mayor’s Thames Festival, Bristol University Botanic Gardens, Bath International Music Festival, Bath Fringe Festival, Bath Childrens Art Festival and numerous community-based arts initiatives.