TEAM
Joseph Ayavoro – Founder & Director
Sculptor | Public Artist | Community Arts Leader
Joseph Ayavoro is an accomplished sculptor, public artist and community arts leader with over 25 years of experience creating contemporary sculptures, public artworks and architectural installations across the United Kingdom and West Africa. Specialising in steel, wood and mixed media, his work explores themes of culture, heritage, identity and community, transforming public spaces into places of inspiration and dialogue.
As the Founder and Director of Creative Hands Foundation, established in 2008, Joseph has dedicated his career to using creativity as a powerful tool for education, wellbeing and social change. He believes that the arts can empower individuals, strengthen communities and improve lives by building confidence, developing skills and creating opportunities for meaningful participation.
Joseph has designed and led hundreds of community arts projects, creative workshops and public art commissions, working with children, young people, older adults and diverse communities. His programmes encourage participants to discover their creative potential, preserve traditional arts and crafts, celebrate cultural heritage and develop practical and entrepreneurial skills.
Through Creative Hands Foundation, Joseph has inspired thousands of people across Manchester and beyond to engage in creative activities that promote mental wellbeing, social inclusion and lifelong learning. Many participants have progressed to become artists, volunteers, community leaders and creative entrepreneurs, while others have gained renewed confidence, stronger social connections and a lasting appreciation for the arts.
Passionate about collaboration, Joseph continues to work with schools, museums, local authorities, healthcare organisations and community partners to deliver innovative creative health, heritage and public art programmes that enrich lives and strengthen communities.
“Creativity has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and inspire lasting change.”
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