Gemma is a skilled facilitator who utilises creative and participative methodologies to engage people in place, memory and identity. She is curious about the untold stories that offer a richer, more inclusive understanding of our heritage, and the quiet work for change going on in every community. Her work is ethically-informed and values-led, grounded in a deeply held belief in heritage practice as a tool for social innovation.
With a background in fine and applied arts, Gemma has been working in the Northern Ireland heritage sector for over 25 years, first within local authority museums, and for the past 13 years as a freelance practitioner. During her varied career she has established a multi-disciplinary heritage network encompassing museums, libraries, archives, statutory and education bodies, charitable organisations and diverse community-led organisations, extending across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Gemma has provided expert advice and support to organisations including the Northern Ireland Museums Council, National Museums Northern Ireland, the National Trust, Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education, Department for Communities Historic Environment Division, the Linenhall Library, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Corrymeela, Thrive and various local authorities. She has also supported the work of a wide variety of community-led heritage, peacebuilding, community development and minority-ethnic organisations. She previously acted as a RoSS consultant for Northern Ireland and regularly contributes to post-graduate learning and sectoral development opportunities through Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University and Trinity College Dublin.
As a committee member, Gemma would like to advocate for investment in place-based, cross-sectoral partnerships to deliver meaningful benefits for heritage, for climate and for people.