WENDY DAWS - ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Hello!
Wendy Daws is a passionate artist based in Medway, known for her community-focused and tactile art. Born in Hoo, she has deep local roots. Her early life was shaped by Hoo’s transformation from orchards to housing estates, a changing landscape that continues to inspire her work.
She thrives on collaboration, sharing ideas, uncovering hidden stories, and bringing creative projects to life. Working across educational and community settings, she adapts her approach to meet the needs of each group she engages with.
Her artistic journey took many turns. She left school at 16 and explored various training courses, from bookkeeping to sugar craft, before returning to education at 30. Later, she earned a BA (Hons) in Three-Dimensional Crafts from the University of Brighton, specializing in metals and plastics.
A life-changing exchange program at Nagoya Fine Art University in Japan sparked her passion for accessibility in the arts. This experience inspired her dissertation, The Value of Touch – Blind Alphabet C and Museum Approaches to Visually Impaired Visitors. After graduating in 2004, she felt the pull of what she calls the “Medway magnet” and returned to her hometown, ready to make an impact.
“If you want to do it, you will find ways to make it happen”Wendy Daws
Roles and Contributions
Wendy's official occupation is that of an artist, but her contributions extend far beyond her own practice. She is actively involved in various community-driven initiatives, including:
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MESS ROOM CIC – A creative community space where artists and participants, especially those with sight loss, can freely engage in artistic workshops
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Medway Open Studios – A festival fostering collaboration and visibility for local artists
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Sun Pier House CIC – A not-for-profit community arts organisation
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Fat Lady Opera – An initiative blending performance and visual art.
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Kent Association for the Blind – Wendy established and runs five art groups for blind and partially sighted residents in Kent, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in the arts.
Through these roles, Wendy wears many hats, from artist and facilitator to funding bid writer and event organiser. She works across multiple sectors, including arts, heritage, public health, local authority, and education, and collaborates with various arts organisations, always with an emphasis on empowering others.
"Wendy is an unstoppable force of creativity, kindness, and community spirit. She doesn’t just make art - she makes things happen! Whether she’s leading a workshop, championing accessibility in the arts, or just sharing a cup of tea and a great idea, Wendy brings people together in the best way. Medway is so much richer for having her."Sun Pier House
Artistic Approach and Medium
Specializing in tactile and mixed-media art, Wendy creates sculptures and interactive pieces that encourage engagement. Her work often explores themes of memory and accessibility, ensuring her art reaches a wide audience, including individuals with visual impairments.
Wendy played a key role in Rochester Cathedral’s research to develop a tactile interpretation of Sergei Fyodorov’s Baptismal Fresco. This led to her commission to design the bronze tactile interpretation now permanently displayed, along with the striking Draco Roffensis. At present, she is working with The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge and Canterbury Cathedral on the Sensing Culture project, which aims to enhance accessibility to arts and heritage for blind and partially sighted visitors.
"I believe strongly that disability is not an impairment to creativity. Art is for all regardless of age, ability or background"Wendy Daws
Impact on the Medway Arts Scene
As a driving force in Medway’s creative community, Wendy has facilitated stronger connections among artists and institutions. She has witnessed significant progress in collaboration and communication. Through her work with Rochester Cathedral and other local venues, Wendy demonstrates her belief in the power of initiating positive change.
Despite setbacks like the departure of UCA from Medway and the closure of galleries, Wendy remains committed to sustaining the arts. She encourages artists to persist, collaborate, and create their own opportunities. Her message is clear: “If you want to do it, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”
Beyond Art
When not immersed in her projects, Wendy enjoys reading, cooking, and watching Doctor Zhivago on repeat.
Wendy Daws continues to be a vital part of Medway’s artistic and cultural landscape, proving that with determination, collaboration, and a touch of mess, meaningful change can happen
