Jess joined the Watershed as its Projects Coordinator in October 2013, but moved to the University of the West of England in November 2014 to take up the role of Research Officer on Bath and Bristol by Design - AHRC and Design Council research project exploring the role design plays in creating economic benefit and social value in the region.


Once a student in Liverpool, Jess came to Bristol for her masters as a result of being awarded AHRC funding. As a student, Jess was always drawn to looking at art in the public realm and the research questions that presented. During her time at Watershed, she worked closely with the Playable City team to deliver Shadowing and the Making the City Playable Conference.


Prior to starting with the Watershed, Jess gained experience with leading public arts institutions across the UK. In 2012 she collaborated with National Museums Wales on Revolutionary Dreams – an exhibition she helped devise, curate and produced interpretation for. Jess also has over four years experience working for Bo.lee Gallery, a commercial gallery with strong connections to the vibrant arts scene in Bristol.