The Merse Committee
David Baird
David has led a wide variety of community arts projects, sharing his professional experience as a musician, songwriter, actor and performer. David has a particular interest in folk music and folklore, and is a published author.
Emily Black
Emily is a local dance teacher, registered with the International Dance Teachers Association. She is passionate about making the arts accessible and is excited to support The Merse.
Pete Dobson
Pete is Treasurer of the W&BCI and brings extensive experience of complex project delivery for infrastructure projects in both public and community settings. Pete is passionate about developing community facilities for the continued benefit of local residents.
Rosie Dobson
Rosie is a semi-professional artist with a keen interest in the potential of the creative arts to transform individuals lives. Rosie has a background in third sector project delivery and creative development.
Maggie Kelly
Maggie is a visual artist and writer, She has a background in the charity sector where she working in legal advice and policy, especially anti-poverty and race equality work. She is a strong advocate for the potential of the arts to develop and support a more just and sustainable world.
Kelly Love
Kelly divides her time between her Bladnoch cottage and her home in Alabama. Kelly has a career in academic research focusing on creative arts development for wellbeing and community resilience.
WILL YOU JOIN US?
The Merse team is a sub-committee of the Wigtown & Bladnoch Community Initiative. We welcome input from local residents so that the entertainment programme and projects we develop reflect what the Wigtown and Bladnoch community want to see. Find out more about how you can get involved - or post an idea into our suggestions box.
Louisa Ruthven
Louisa is a trained actor and spent her career in theatre costume design and dressmaking. Louisa now works as a professional textile artist and has a keen interest in developing community arts engagement.