Alicia Stark
Programme Manager: Arts & the Environment, Events & Performances

I moved to Wales from the United States over a decade ago, so I could do my postgrad degrees. Since then I’ve finished a PhD in Musicology – my focus was on virtual bands, so groups like Gorillaz and Studio Killers. I’ve been a teacher for 15 years, working in schools and also in local groups of all ages, teaching mostly music and drama. Teaching gave me a creative outlet while I was doing all that extra studying! I love to get people singing, as I am a firm believer that anyone can sing and once people get rid of their hang ups about it, singing is a joyful experience. 

I was born in Canada, and grew up in the southern part of the US, so I say “y’all” a lot. My inner voice sounds straight from the Valleys since I’ve lived in Wales for so long, but if you ask me to do a Welsh accent, I will totally embarrass myself. I am a proud Welsh-language learner, though, and try to improve my skills all the time!

What advice do you have for people to bringing creativity into everyday life

Creativity is not a contest! You may think that someone is ‘better’ than you at being creative. But creativity itself should be celebrated, regardless of the final product. You deserve praise if you’re thinking outside of the box, taking risks, or trying something new!

What is your number one self-care tip? 

When it comes to self-care, speak to yourself the way you’d speak to your best friend! If your best friend was exhausted and burned out, you’d tell them they deserved to take a break, wind down, get some sleep, switch off. So allow yourself to do the same things!

What is your favourite gif?