Meet Megan Parker – Three 15 Project Lead for Tipton
We are delighted to introduce Megan Parker as the Project Lead for Three Fifteen in Tipton. Megan brings a bright mix of local knowledge, creative energy and hands on experience to the role, and her passion for storytelling and community connection shines through everything she does. Born and based in Tipton, she understands the pride, character and everyday creativity of the town in a way that only a local can. Megan will be working closely with residents, artists and partners to shape the Tipton Hive and help spark new cultural opportunities that grow directly from the voices of the community.
Meet Megan - the project lead for Three 15 Tipton
You are leading the Three Fifteen partnership in Tipton; can you tell us a bit about what excites you most about this project?
I’m incredibly thrilled to be working on the Three 15 project in my hometown of Tipton. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring communities together to engage in local arts and culture. I’m particularly excited about finding new ways we can create vibrant places of creativity right here on our doorstep.
You live in Tipton, how does being based locally shape the way you approach your work and connect with communities in the Black Country?
I’m very proud to be from Tipton, there is so much culture and heritage within the Black Country. I can’t wait to be a part of shaping new arts opportunities within the area. For me, working within Tipton is all about the people, I’d love to connect and engage with as many artists and local residents as possible. Together we can create a thriving project which reflects the amazing people and stories from the area.
You have a background in performance, how has that creative experience influenced the way you manage projects or engage with artists and residents?
I’ve always had a passion for theatre and visual performance as I believe it’s an incredible way to share stories and express emotions. My passion for creative storytelling and listening to other’s experiences inspires the work I create.
With a theatre making and performance background I am a very practical learner, I love to get out there and get hands on. As a Project Manager I work in the same way and I’m passionate about arts and cultural experiences which immerse people in new experiences. I enjoy meeting artists and local residents who love what they do, and I am eager to support creativity which improves wellbeing.
Three 15 is all about collaboration; what does that word mean to you, and how do you hope to bring people together through the programme?
Collaboration to me is a fantastic way to dream up new creative ideas by combining individual’s diverse experiences. I’m hoping the Three 15 programme will allow for new exciting collaborations in the heart of Tipton where creative activity can thrive. I think we could all do with more collaborations and teamwork within our lives.
What are some of the first things you’re hoping to do or explore as the project gets underway?
We’ve already started connecting with local artists and creatives within the Tipton community. We’d like to hold conversations about what people would like to see within the area and what excites them. As the project progresses, we’d like to encourage new creative activity within Tipton which will build over the three years.
Finally, what’s something people might not know about you?
I’m very passionate about local history and heritage, I love exploring local heritage landmarks and taking walks along the canals. There is so much to learn about our local area and it inspires a lot of the work I do.
Interested in getting involved?
If you are an artist or creative based in, living in or from Tipton and would like to be part of a creative network that Megan will be bringing together as part of Three 15 then get in touch direct by emailing megan@creativeblackcountry.co.uk. There will be opportunities for local creatives to run and host workshops, projects and potentially be part of a new artist in residence programme.
Want to learn more?
Three Fifteen brings culture closer to home in Tipton, Smethwick and Wednesbury. The programme is inspired by the simple idea that everyone should be able to reach brilliant creative activity within fifteen minutes of where they live. Through local Hives, festival style programming and long-term partnerships, Three Fifteen supports wellbeing, celebrates local stories and makes it easier for communities to connect through arts and culture.