Arts for EveryBody was born from a lifelong journey through creativity, craft, community, and storytelling. I’m Jason Hicks — an artist, maker, educator, and facilitator — and this work represents not just what I do, but everything I’ve learned, explored, and lived over decades of creative practice.

Arts for EveryBody was born from a lifelong journey through creativity, craft, community, and storytelling. I’m Jason Hicks — an artist, maker, educator, and facilitator — and this work represents not just what I do, but everything I’ve learned, explored, and lived over decades of creative practice.

My journey began with a deep love of art and making. I studied Art & Design at Hereford College of Art before going on to train in carpentry, developing a practical, hands-on understanding of materials and construction. This foundation in craft stayed with me as I later completed a BA (Hons) in Animation at the University of Wales Newport, where I began to explore storytelling, movement, and visual narrative. Years later, I returned to study again, completing a Foundation Degree in Social Media at the University of South Wales, alongside training in teaching in the workplace — bringing together creativity, communication, and education.

My journey began with a deep love of art and making. I studied Art & Design at Hereford College of Art before going on to train in carpentry, developing a practical, hands-on understanding of materials and construction. This foundation in craft stayed with me as I later completed a BA (Hons) in Animation at the University of Wales Newport, where I began to explore storytelling, movement, and visual narrative. Years later, I returned to study again, completing a Foundation Degree in Social Media at the University of South Wales, alongside training in teaching in the workplace — bringing together creativity, communication, and education.

Alongside my studies, I built a varied and rich career in the creative industries. I worked across film and television as a prop maker, sculptor, and set builder — contributing to productions including Doctor Who, His Dark Materials, and Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. I also ran my own business, Propmaker.co.uk, delivering work for clients such as the BBC, HBO, and S4C. These years taught me not only technical skill, but collaboration, problem-solving, and the magic of bringing ideas to life.

But alongside this professional work, something else was always growing — a passion for people, for community, and for the transformative power of creativity. From early experiences running workshops and community arts projects in the 1990s, through to leading cabaret events and participatory sessions, I began to see how art could connect, empower, and inspire.

Over time, this became the heart of my practice.

In recent years, I’ve worked extensively in schools and communities across Wales, delivering creative learning through the Arts Council of Wales Lead Creative Schools Scheme, working with primary schools to embed creativity into learning. I’ve led workshops in animation, model-making, and participatory arts for organisations including Awen Cultural Trust, Caerphilly Council, Welsh National Opera, and a wide range of community groups — from young people and schools to carers, theatre groups, and vulnerable communities.

I’ve also continued to grow professionally, completing training in community leadership, sustainability, and mental health first aid — all of which inform how I work with people today.

Arts for EveryBody is a culmination of all of this.

It is a space where everything I’ve learned — from fine art to film, from carpentry to community practice — comes together with one clear purpose: to make creativity accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone.

I feel incredibly grateful to have taken this journey. Every step — every job, every project, every collaboration — has shaped the way I work and what I believe in. And now, to be in a position where I can share that knowledge, create opportunities for others, and support people to express themselves creatively… it’s something I don’t take for granted.

This work excites me every day.

Because creativity has the power to change how we see ourselves, how we connect with others, and how we experience the world. And I truly believe — it’s for everybody.