Registered Office
6 West Street
Comberton
Cambridge
CB23 7DS
AccessArt is a UK registered charity number 1105049
Company Limited by Guarantee 05110197
Help & Support
info@accessart.org.uk
Telephone
00 44 (0)1223 606139
Our hours of business are: Monday to Friday GMT 9.00 to 17.00
Meet The Team
Management
Paula Briggs, Co-Founder, CEO & Creative Director
Paula founded AccessArt in 1999 with Sheila Ceccarelli. Paula studied Sculpture at Norwich School of Art (now NUA), and later at the Royal College of Art London. Paula has also written two books: Drawing Projects for Children & Make, Build, Create: Sculpture Projects for Children.
Paula continues to direct and manage AccessArt today.
paula@accessart.org.uk
Alison Sharkey,
Business Manager
Alison works closely with the CEO, Membership Manager, Trustees and wider team to support the organisation’s thoughtful and sustainable growth. Alison helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes – developing and supporting internal systems and team coordination.
alison@accessart.org.uk
Andrea Butler,
Membership Manager
Andrea has worked for AccessArt for many years and in addition to creative support Andrea now manages all membership support.
Please direct all membership enquiries, including login errors to andrea@accessart.org.uk
Vimeo
Creative Direction
Membership
Andrea Butler,
Membership Manager
Please direct all membership enquiries, including login errors to andrea@accessart.org.uk
Lou Taylor,
Membership Administrator
Louise Buckingham, Membership Administrator
Finance & Web
Louise Buckingham,
Book Keeper
Steven Watts,
Web & Technical Support
Trustees & Founders
Paula Briggs, Co-Founder, CEO & Creative Director
Sheila Ceccarelli, Co-Founder (Retired 2020)
Why The Team Chose Their Birds
Paula: “I love watching sparrows – always on the move and happily chirping together in hedgerows. As CEO of AccessArt, I thought hard about how I wanted the bird I chose to represent the qualities I think I can help engender in the team. I do see us as a flock – and I like that sparrows symbolise joy, happiness, resilience, adaptability, freedom, and protection – all words I think can be applied to AccessArt as an organisation.”
Alison: “I’ve always loved living near the sea, and the Oyster Catcher has been a constant sentry to my life as a consequence, especially when in the wilder, more northern places. Its insistent shrill call is oddly comforting, and its stylish orange beak makes me smile.”
Andrea: “When I’m out walking and hear the thrush, perched high in the sycamore trees, its song always lifts my heart and brings a small moment of joy.”
Rachel: “My bird choice is a Robin, as my daughter and nieces have always said it’s their Grandad’s spirit coming back to visit them! I love the constancy of Robins, with their singing and presence felt even in the coldest and darkest times of the year.”
Tobi: “There’s something that always makes me smile when I see an Indian Runner Duck, it might be their silly proportions or the way they move and interact with each other with lots of energy and curiosity. They’re a reminder not to take life too seriously, to lean into your oddities, to follow your curiosity, and to have fun while you do it.”
Joe: “I chose to be represented by a Tawny Owl as I’m always looking all around.”
Mo: “I have unruly grey-streaked brown curly hair, so my pre-teen son, an avid bird watcher, chose the Silver Polish chicken for me, as it was ‘hairy-headed’ and had the right colouring to match. He couldn’t have chosen better!”
Lou: “I’ve always loved the blackbird’s song – it’s a reminder to stay grounded, observant and find joy in small, everyday things.”
Louise: “I love flamingos. They are tall (like me), pink (my favourite colour), and spend a lot of time standing on one leg (I do a lot of yoga!)”