Opera Learning and Participation
At the core of Ruth’s work is a belief in the power of art as an instrument of social change. Her work as a designer is based on collaborative practice, creating work both with, and for, a diverse range of professional and non-professional artists and participants.
Over 20 years, with several long-term collaborators, Ruth has delivered creative, ambitious and impactful outreach work which connects with participants and develops relationships with communities. Working extensively across all levels of formal education, including SEN and PRU, and with many heterogeneous groups of people including those experiencing homelessness, living in prisons and in residential care, Ruth has worked for arts organisations who are committed to reaching out in new and exciting ways to make active and progressive change to our city and our society.
Royal Ballet and Opera
Since 2009, Ruth has worked as Lead Artist for Learning and Participation at the Royal Ballet and Opera. This work has included leading creative workshops and Research and Development projects, as well as designing 5 community productions, two youth company operas, and the co-curation of a community festival at the Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop in Thurrock.
As Design Artist for the annual Design Challenge, Ruth has supported and delivered on every area since its inception in 2010, including the creation of learning materials, a CPD programme and a series of films.
English National Opera
Ruth has worked as a Lead Practitioner for ENO Engage for over 10 years, creating and devising projects with families, schools and young people.
Garsington Opera
Collaborating with director Karen Gillingham at Garsington Opera, Ruth has made multiple shows with young people both in schools, and with the Garsington Youth and Adult Companies at the opera house in Wormsley.
Most recently she collaborated on Weather the Storm – a new work by Orlando Gough drawn from the experiences of stroke survivors. The opera was performed by a company of professional singers, stroke survivors, Adult Company members and NHS Health Professionals.
Other organisations include (click on a logo to find out more):
