Alex works with our local communities to match individuals and organisations with spaces that will help them to thrive. With a background in cultural production and theatre, his previous work saw him touring the UK and Australia with drag queens, teaching theatre in schools and universities, and delivering large scale participation projects. As Meanwhile Space Project Manager, Alex is excited by the prospect of empowering communities of Oxfordshire to transform spaces and drive social change.

Andy is a passionate social entrepreneur who has led a number of successful purpose-driven community businesses.
He is co-founder of Makespace Oxford and Programme Lead for  the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ programme, as well as co-founder, designer and architect at Transition by Design. He believes strongly in the power of space to create more inclusive and resilient local communities, and is committed to transforming, repurposing and reviving underused spaces in Oxfordshire.

Claire joined Makespace Oxford in early 2020 with a wealth of experience in supporting independent businesses and social enterprises.

As Makespace Oxford’s Operations Manager, she takes care of all our systems and processes, and streamlines project resources so that we can be as efficient and effective as possible. Claire is passionate about supporting local socially conscious organisations and businesses across Oxfordshire.

 

Claire has been with Makespace Oxford since its inception.

She is an exceptional member of the team, dedicated to keeping our central buildings in tip-top shape. Leaving no stone unturned, Claire ensures that our spaces are always spick-and-span for our residents and the wider community.

 

David joined Makespace in 2023 as a Facilities Coordinator. He has varied professional background, ranging from Computer Programmer to Maintenance Manager for a Cycle infrastructure company, using his broad range of skills to help repair, support and enhance buildings – by bike – wherever possible!  David brings a lifelong passion for fixing and improving both things and spaces, which sits perfectly with the ethos of Makespace.

Dionne has worked in community arts and education for 20 years. Her work over the last decade has focused on accessibility; using the arts to enable new approaches, attitudes and transformative learning. With experience of working in a range of educational settings, community groups and ages, Dionne is excited to be joining the team as a Community Development Coordinator and Arts Programme Lead to use her experience to enable and empower others.

Fabio joined the team in July 2022, supporting our residents in their spaces and helping them thrive.

Having worked in the refugee sector for the past ten years – with a focus on social inclusion community projects – and having specialised in Advice and Guidance, Fabio is very keen to use his skills to make sure every resident receives tailored support throughout their journey at Makespace.

Hannah joined the team in 2022 and is responsible for storytelling at Makespace Oxford.  She is a creative thinker with a passion for social enterprise; bringing with her several years experience in visual arts and non-profit communications. As a professional photographer, she is dedicated to documenting purpose-driven enterprises and individuals. She is excited to be a part of the Makespace Oxford community and making an impact in her hometown.

Jason joined Makespace in 2022 to ensure the smooth and safe running of Makespace buildings across Oxfordshire. As facilities coordinator, he ensures that every one of our buildings is developed and operating to the highest standard; managing maintenance, inductions, repairs, fire, health & safety policies… and much, much more! Jason has many years experience in problem solving, facilities, equipment and health and safety, and is excited to be a part of this purpose-driven team.

Kay is part of the Community Development team at Makespace. She has over 25 years experience working with communities in different settings including theatre, building conservation and public art commissions; as well as being a Parish councillor and Community-led housing enabler. On a grassroots level, Kay has initiated inter-social art spaces that explore how communities relate to the space and people they encounter.

Molly is a recent addition to the Makespace team, bringing with her a passion for inclusivity, queer representation, art, and supporting small and purposeful businesses. With a background in events, arts and community building, Molly is excited to use her skills to help create welcoming and supportive environments for all members of the community. In her free time, she is an artist, an avid gardener, and a volunteer for queer non-profit T(ART) Productions.

Raymond comes from a performing arts background and has trained internationally in contemporary dance, musical theatre and street dance. His background in the performing arts world led him to build his own dance school before pursuing an interest in the start-up and social impact world. He is excited to be joining the Makespace Oxford family to help to empower different communities and share the amazing stories of our Makespace residents.

Ruth joined the team in April 2022 and is responsible for organisational development, business planning and financing strategy at Makespace. She brings over 20 years’ experience managing charities within the arts of sector and as a freelance general manager working with emerging businesses. Ruth is excited by the diversity of organisations connected by Makespace and making a difference through our mission and values.

Sarah joined the Makespace Oxford team in 2022, working with the residents to support their projects, build community and help Makespace Oxford buildings thrive. She has worked in community development in Oxford for the last 10 years, establishing community led social enterprises focused on education, community markets and sustainable economics. She brings a passion and enthusiasm for innovative and participatory ways of working.

Paul is the Chief Executive Officer of the charity and social enterprise Aspire Oxfordshire and a Director of its trading company, Aspire Enterprise Services.

Alongside his role as a Director of Makespace Oxford, he is also a co-founder of the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, a co-founder of Flo’s and a Director of the Oxfordshire Social Entrepreneurship Partnership. Prior to joining Aspire, Paul was a British Diplomat and previously volunteered at Asylum Welcome in Oxford and as a Generalist Adviser for Citizens Advice. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy.

Selin Nugent is an anthropologist working at the intersection of digital ethics, sustainable communities, and cultural heritage. Alongside her role on the board of Makespace, she is Assistant Director of the Institute for Ethical AI at Oxford Brookes University and Director-at-Large for the American Research Institute of the South Caucasus. She is has been an enthusiastic member of the Makespace community for many years as a potter with Sabali Pots, and is excited for the opportunity to support the mission to enhance inclusivity and accessibility to space and expand positive social impact on Oxford as a board member.

Zahra is the award-winning co-founder and director of YWMP – an intersectional feminist charity that offers access to free workshops, resources, and mentoring to women and non-binary people.

 

Zahra has been a workshop facilitator in Oxfordshire for 18 years, delivering music technology, drumming, and songwriting sessions to young people and vulnerable adults in many different settings. Zahra’s goal is to build meaningful connections between different communities in Oxford so that support can be distributed mindfully to those who need it most.