About Artish Huddersfield CIC
Artish is a creative, non‑profit organisation bringing high‑quality, affordable art and craft wellbeing workshops to the Huddersfield community. Our mission is simple: to spark creativity, build confidence, and support positive mental health through hands‑on, accessible activities.
We’re a team of experienced illustrators, designers, educators and makers who believe creativity thrives in a warm, supportive environment. Our workshops are designed to help people grow in resilience, self‑awareness and connection—whether they’re exploring art for the first time or developing existing skills.
We’re especially committed to improving the wellbeing of young people by offering inclusive, safe spaces where they feel heard, valued and empowered. Diane leads our programme and works with carefully selected specialists to deliver sessions that nurture personal growth and unlock creative potential. As our Designated Safeguarding Lead, she ensures every participant is supported with care and professionalism.
Key People
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are at the heart of what we do, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of our Arts Organization forward. Without them, Artish would not be where it is today. Meet some of our team members below.
Founder and Director of Artish Huddersfield CIC
Diane Barker
Diane is a professional commercial illustrator, (past clients include Royal Mail, Nestle and the Milk Marketing Board), educator, (former Head of Department of Design & Technology at Royds Hall High School), and all-round creative powerhouse. Today, Diane focusses her energy on Artish Huddersfield CIC and turning it into the community-focussed aid she knows it can be.She passionately believes that everyone has artistic potential and creative ability, (some just need to be reminded), and that providing creative and therapeutic processes to students can lead them to achieve great end results.
Director & all things bright & beautiful
Karen Marsden
With 20+ years of financial administration experience in the education & local government sectors, Karen brings a keen eye and business proficiency to our transactions, budgets and data analysis. With her on board, we are able to boast good financial, organisational and team-building practices for Artish.
Karen is also passionately committed to creative community projects and is actively involved with courses that Artish offers to our students.
Volunteer Artish Huddersfield CIC
Ren M
Ren M
Volunteer Artish Huddersfield CIC
Jason G
Jason G
Director & all things textiles & arty
Lindsey Whitworth
Lindsey Whitworth joined Artish with the vision and drive to improve our Arts Organization and make our name synonymous with social change and human betterment. Lindsey brings 20+ years of practical secondary school experience, working as a senior technician. Her expertise includes Textiles & Food Technology.
Artish is lucky to have someone with so much experience working with teenagers and she has a sterling educational reputation.
Director of Artish Huddersfield CIC
Coming soon
Coming soon
Volunteer Artish Huddersfield CIC
Michelle M
Michelle M
Volunteer Artish Huddersfield CIC
Elicia S
Elicia S