Staff Biogs

Stevie Rice

Who are you?

I’m Stevie!

What is your role?

I’m the Director of Ardent Hare. I have the responsibility for the day to day management of the organisation and I lead on developing the strategic and artistic direction for the organisation with the Board of Trustees and the other staff. I manage the budget, fundraising, marketing and report to the Board of Trustees. I also sit on the Board of engage – the national gallery education organisation and I am the Chair of Disability Arts Online.

What did you do before joining Ardent Hare?

I’ve been the Director for 8 years, but before that I was very proud to be the Head of Education & Training at Shape in London. I’ve also worked for Stratford Circus in East London before it opened and for a Deaf training organisation in Kent. My first job was managing a youth arts centre in Ramsgate. In all these roles disability has been central to my programmes having studied Deaf Issues, Theatre and History of Art at university.

What inspires you?

Now that’s a tough one. People mainly. I’m very privileged to have access to so many great artists and for them to share with me their artistic ambitions. That always inspires me. Great facilitators also inspire me and there is an amazing wave of coaches and wonderful consultants who never quite get the credit they deserve for their behind-the-scenes role.

Who is your favourite creative person?

Er... my Dad!

Whats the best thing about Ardent Hare?

There is a community of people involved with Ardent Hare (staff, artists, board, supporters) who all share a similar vision, and who have the drive to make that vision real!

What else do you do?

I run, go to the gym, walk, walk alot! Spend a lot of time playing with Bobbie...

What would you say to a disabled artist starting out in their creative career?

Use the lows to propel you to the highs! They are both as important as each other.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?

Life is trying to teach me to relax, I’m just not a very fast learner!

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

Wonder Woman!

What is your most treasured possession?

Bobbie!!! Is he a possession?! No? Ok, my locket!

What is your favourite quote?

“I’m at my best when the wind is in my face.”

What is your favourite word?

Cacophony!

Sum up Ardent Hare in just one word?

Ardent! I guess that’s the reason we settled on that name!

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Suzanne Rose

Who are you?

I’m Suzanne Rose, Programme Manager

What is your role?

I oversee anything pertaining to the Ardent Hare programme, so that includes supporting artists with their professional development, managing projects and events, developing resources and ideas.

What did you do before joining Ardent Hare?

I have worked in arts development for many years in various settings, including local authorities, voluntary sector organisations and schools. I worked for Shape in London, prior to relocating to Sussex in 2001, escaping city life for the sea. I also work for Arts Award as a Moderator.

What inspires you?

My boys are a constant source of amazement and inspiration. The sea and an endless horizon. Working with people who love what they do.

Who is your favourite creative person?

Ooh tricky one, my partner is a musician and a very talented guy so he’d get my vote.

What’s the best thing about ardent hare?

The people, the passion, the inspiration and creativity – oops that’s four things!

What else do you do?

I enjoy hanging out with my boys. It’s hectic, lego fuelled fun.

When I’m not working for ardent hare, I’m also a florist and specialise in wedding flowers. I recently retrained (with loads of support and encouragement from Dada-South) and fulfilled a life long dream. So if I’m not at my desk, I’m in my studio surrounded by gorgeous sweet scented blooms. Bliss.

What would you say to a disabled artists starting out in their creative career?

Be confident, believe in yourself and your talents and seek out those people who can support you on your journey.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?

To breathe.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

Wonderwoman – I spent many happy hours as a child endlessly spinning round in circles in my homemade Wonderwoman outfit and pretending to save the world!

What is your most treasured possession?

A white beaded bracelet, a gift from my son.

What is your favourite quote?

“The point of life is life” Goethe

What is your favourite word?

Raspberry. 

Sum up Ardent Hare in just one word?

Passion.

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Michelle Chorley

Who are you?

Michelle Chorley

What is your role?

I am the General Manager for Ardent Hare.

What did you do before joining Ardent Hare?

I’ve always worked in the arts sector and continue to have a freelance arts and dance management career alongside working for Ardent Hare.  Tis a perfect mix!

What inspires you?

Other people, good and bad.

Who is your favourite creative person?

Charlotte Vincent.

What’s the best thing about Ardent Hare?

The best thing about Ardent Hare is that we are all about developing people within a creative context.  It’s all about the individual after all we’re all individuals aren’t we?

What else do you do?

I sew, I sail and I skip but not always together and definitely not in that order.  I’ve got a great family that keep me grounded and an opinionated and inspiring daughter.

What would you say to a disabled artist starting out in their creative career?

Manage your work/life balance, believe in yourself and don’t take any nonsense.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?

Never say never…and always take your manners with you, don’t leave them at home.  Also, ‘believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense’ (Buddha)

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

Anything (well, almost anything!) with high heels, so high that you can’t walk in them. 

What is your most treasured possession?

My sanity and my mascara.

What is your favourite quote?

‘The true republic: men, their rights and nothing more: women, their rights and nothing less’  Susan B Anthony

What is your favourite word?

Succulent.

Sum up Ardent Hare in just one word?

Bringiton! (is that one word?...I think so!)

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Joe Wilson

Who are you?

Joe Wilson

What is your role?

Finance

What did you do before joining Ardent Hare?

Worked in local government in human resources, finance and training departments.

What inspires you?

Music.

Who is your favourite creative person?

Sting.

Whats the best thing about ardent hare?

Positive can do people.

What else do you do?

Bring up the kids, play in a band and walk the dog.

What would you say to a disabled artist starting out in their creative career?

Acorn and oak trees.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?

It’s never over until it’s over.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

Gladiator.

What is your most treasured possession?

My bass guitar.

What is your favourite quote?

If you wait to do everything until you are sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything!

What is your favourite word?

Yes.

Sum up ardent hare in just one word?

Passionate.

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Bobbie

Who are you?

Bobbie the dog!

What is your role?

Greet guests, help Stevie to relax and provide 1st class company in the office!

What did you do before joining Ardent Hare?

I’ve been part of Ardent Hare (Dada-South as it was then) since I was 6 weeks old!

Who is your favourite creative person?

Oh they don’t need to be creative – I love everyone!

What’s the best thing about Ardent Hare?

Office treats, people I meet. I’m hoping one day I’ll catch this hare you talk of but I haven’t seen it yet!

What else do you do?

I play alot of ball – it’s my favourite. I’m pretty good at football and am well known in different neighbourhoods for my skills. I also like treasure hunts!

What would you say to a disabled artists starting out in their creative career?

Have a good career but don’t forget to feed your dog!

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?

If I sit, I get a treat.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

Spider man

What is your most treasured possession?

Squeaky rabbit.

What is your favourite quote?

“Where’s my boy?!”

What is your favourite word?

Treat

Sum up Ardent Hare in just one word?

Ardent?! Hare?! Where?!!

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