Dave McLeavy


Doing things in the creative sector ︎




Over the past 15 years I've worn quite a few hats.

Most of my work has been in the creative industries as an artist, curator and director, spending the majority of that time somewhere in the wonderfully chaotic world of contemporary visual arts. Along the way I've also found myself working in events, the cycling industry, fashion and the wider charity sector. Apparently I have a habit of saying yes to interesting ideas before I've fully worked out how they're going to happen.

I've curated exhibitions, produced festivals, commissioned artists, led charities, developed cultural strategies, raised funding, organised bike races, mentored artists, chaired meetings, written countless reports and probably drunk enough coffee to keep a small independent café in business.

Some of the projects have involved transforming city centres into spaces for art and performance. Others have focused on supporting artists to develop ambitious new work, creating opportunities for young people, or helping cultural organisations become a little more sustainable than they were the day before. Somewhere amongst all of that I've also managed to direct a short film, co-found a cycling brand, build an artist interview platform that's somehow been going for over a decade, and continue organising one of the UK's toughest off-road cycling events.

The slideshow above is a small snapshot of that journey. It's by no means everything, but it gives a flavour of the people, places and projects I've been lucky enough to work with over the years.


© David McLeavy ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (no copying. I’m watching ︎)