Metal was founded by Jude Kelly OBE in 2002 and was created as an artistic laboratory to champion the need for continual investment in artistic investigation and the development of innovative ideas that could shift the thinking in the UK cultural sector.

We provide innovative, multi-disciplinary residency space for artists from the UK and overseas in Liverpool and Southend on Sea.  

Alongside providing space for artists and thinkers to develop their ideas and further the philosophy of their work, we are interested in how this artistic process, and the practice of artists can input into, and potentially influence political and social issues of the day.

Through our artistic programme we draw out evidence and ideas for a better understanding of the artist’s role in civic life, and ensure that these are shared with a wide and diverse set of partners. 

These ideas are showcased and disseminated on a regular basis through residencies, exhibitions, events, performance, discussion and publications.

Jude Kelly

Jude Kelly OBE is founder and now chair of Metal, having spent the first three years of Metal's development as artistic director.  She is an award-winning theatre director who for the last five years has been one of the top ten most powerful people in British Theatre.  She is currently artistic director at the South Bank Centre, and Chair of the Olympic Culture and Education Committee for London 2012.

Colette Bailey

Colette Bailey is Metal's Managing Director - since the company's inception in 2002.  She brings extensive experience of working in large scale public arenas via public art consultancy, exhibitions, participatory design projects and education projects.  Her professional experience is mainly in the Visual Arts.  She was managing director of the Royal Society of British Sculptors (RBS) from 1998 - 2002.  She is a freelance writer and commentator on the arts and has published articles in a number of journals and publications.  Colette is based at Metal in Southend on Sea.

Ian Brownbill

Ian Brownbill is Metal’s Director in Liverpool.  He is a musician who formerly played with the multi-award-winning Black Dyke Mills Band and toured all over the world playing with artists such as Tori Amos and Barclay James Harvest.  He has written numerous articles on brass bands for music journals and has been involved with several music education projects, including teaching at St. Vincent’s School for the Blind.  Alongside his music career, Ian has developed extensive experience in business development and project management within community and corporate contexts.  Ian is based at Metal in Liverpool.

Jenny Porter

Jenny Porter is Project Manager at Metal.  She is a visual artist.  She joined Metal from the administrative team at FACT, the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology in Liverpool.  She has a wide knowledge of digital and new media work.  With fantastic IT skills, Jenny is an experienced administrator, and is developing her skills as a project manager and curator at Metal.  Jenny is based at Metal in Liverpool and can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Jodie Mellor

Jodie Mellor is Administrator at Metal. She is currently studying a degree in Fine art at Liverpool Hope University and has a passion for art and the development of Liverpool's thriving contemporary arts scene. Jodie is based at Metal in Liverpool and can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sean McLoughlin

Sean McLoughlin is Programme Executive responsible for developing Metal's programme in Southend on Sea.  He is a musician, and is an experienced music promoter, having been instrumental in the development of the Sutton with Shopland Festival in Rochford, Essex from 2004 - 2007.  In his role at Southend's YMCA (2001 – 2007) he developed the pioneering Cue Music recording studio and accredited Open College Network course for young people.  He is skilled at developing and delivery a wide range of arts projects and disciplines.  Sean is based at Metal in Southend on Sea and can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Grace Acton

Grace Acton is Administrator and Programme Assistant at Metal.  She is a visual artist, with a dual honours degree in Visual Arts and Biochemistry.  She brings a multi-disciplinary approach and understanding to her work at Metal, along with experience in administration and curating.  Grace is based at Metal in Southend on Sea and can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Jane Wilkes

Jane Wilkes provides Metal with freelance help with our press and media.

Al & Al

Al & Al are digital artists in long-term residence at Metal in Liverpool working with us on the development of Edge Hill Station.

Simon Poulter

Simon Poulter is a visual artist working with Metal on the development of content for Metal’s website.  Simon set up the influential LabCulture programme working with PVA MediaLab and has been commissioned by Watershed, FACT, Hewlett Packard, Channel 4, Eden Project and Knowle West Media Centre. His recent work can be found at www.viral.info

Patrons

Sir Anthony Caro
David Hockney

Trustees

Jude Kelly OBE
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Nihal Arthanayake
Ian Thompson
Sir Ian McKellen