Mosaic Association was founded in 1998 and is based in Batley and Birstall. At Mosaic Association, our mission is to bring people together through the arts. We achieve this by offering exciting, innovative, and accessible arts projects to the residents of Batley and Birstall.
Meet the Team
The Mosaic Association board is comprised of the leading education professionals from the Batley and Birstall area: all of which believe that creating art is a profound and deep intellectual activity that builds transferable creative problem solving skills that can transform life chances.
Julie Haigh
Chair
I am an Arts practitioner and began my career as a Graphic Designer. I attended Goldsmiths in 1989 to train as an Art & Design teacher and taught in London for 6 years before returning to Yorkshire. I worked in education for 31 years and retired from both of my roles, as Co Head of Batley Girls’ High School and CEO Batley Multi Academy Trust, in August 2021
Throughout my career, I have championed Arts education. I believe that creating art is a profound and deep intellectual activity that builds transferable creative problem solving skills that can transform life chances. Engaging with the arts gives our young people, and the wider community, a powerful voice and form of self-expression. It gives us a way to bring meaning to experience and to explore personal values, culture and identity.
Mick Hayes
Deputy Chair
I helped to start Mosaic in 1998. After 24 years it's still a pleasure and a privilege to be involved with the 'Change' project in 2022.
Hilary Towers - Islam
Secretary
I began teaching in Batley in 1988 and in 2015 became the head at Field Lane. I have been a hub leader for BBEST Community Hub since its inception and am currently working on projects to empower women and children, further develop community links and ensure that children come to school ready to learn. I am passionate about the arts as an educator and artist; being creative promotes wellbeing and improves health and happiness. It encourages self-expression and builds confidence and a sense of individual identity. I have been an active member of Mosaic, the charity running The Change Project, for many years.
Jessica Barratt
Board Member
As the lead of Holistic Education in Batley Girls High School, I am committed to developing the whole person in education. Working on the Change Project is a privilege that allows me to see the huge difference that cross-curricular and out-of-the ordinary lessons can make to the aspirations of a student. Telling a pupil that their work will be in a gallery is a confidence boost that will stay with them for life. We believe in their capabilities, just that belief can and has made a huge difference to many students. For them to be able to work with artists is something that they will never forget.
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I started my career in 2007 and have taught Art in many centres, solidifying my belief that Arts are crucial to developing resilience and are a key driver in holistic learning. Art crosses all divides, and this project is a testament to that. I see it as my duty to empower children and young people through arts and culture, giving them the opportunity to explore and fulfil their potential in a future that we are all making together.
Louise Farrar
Treasurer
I am a teacher and subject leader of Creative subjects at secondary school level. The change project is so important to me as it puts the arts right in the heart of our communities. It allows young people to work in real life contexts with professional artists alongside raising the profile of Creative subjects and the wealth of careers in them. It is fantastic to see the pride and sense of achievement our young people have when they see their work celebrated by the community in a final exhibition.
Amy Foster
Freelance General Manager
I aim to provide new and exciting arts opportunities for all Kirklees residents, particularly those with limited access to arts and culture. In my capacity as general manager for Mosaic Association, my primary goal is to ensure that all participants: children and parents, teachers and artists, will experience all the benefits of the project as an inclusive, accessible, and enriching learning experience. As part of my commitment, I strive to ensure all participants feel connected to each other and the community in which they live.