Ellie House

I am Ellie House, and I am proud member of The Arts and Culture Network, where I bring my extensive background and fervent passion for community engagement into my academic and creative collaborations. 

As one of the Directors of ATLA, I lead a dynamic community of teachers, artists, researchers, and organisers. Together, we are dedicated to fostering collaboration and envisioning better futures through innovative and inclusive projects.

My professional journey began in local government as a capital programmes manager. During this time, I developed a deep fascination with geography and the profound effects that physical environments have on communities and individuals. However, I realised that conventional regeneration efforts were falling short, which prompted a significant career shift to the third sector. 

This change was driven by my desire to address community needs in a more comprehensive and impactful way, a passion that was reignited through my direct work with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and severe poverty.

In 2019, I took a pioneering step by founding Feeding Coventry, one of the UK’s foremost food resilience charities. This initiative showcased my commitment to tackling food insecurity and promoting community well-being. My leadership and dedication were further recognised in 2021 when I was named one of Coventry’s 15 Cultural Leaders during the City of Culture year. In this role, I excelled in creating supportive environments where community members could thrive through creative expression, storytelling, communal dining, and increased support.

At ATLA, I curate a wide array of innovative projects and experiences, utilising diverse mediums such as film, writing, data, visual arts, gaming, VR/AR, and music to engage and empower communities. 

I am deeply committed to facilitating workshops, retreats, and creative programs that are customised to meet the unique needs of each community. My relentless pursuit of meaningful conversations and ambitious ideas has driven ATLA to new heights, including the recent publication of our first journal—a captivating hybrid of academic musings, poetry, AI explorations, and unfinished scripts, which epitomises my dedication to interdisciplinary exploration and creative innovation.

At the heart of my work is an unwavering belief that everyone has the potential and the right to imagine and create better futures. My ongoing efforts ensure that communities are not only heard but also empowered to shape their own destinies. Through my leadership and vision, I strive to make a profound and lasting impact on the arts, culture, and community sectors.