Dawn Barrett - Founder/Arts Specialist

As a child. back in the days when there were only 3 TV channels i spent my time drawing and reading. My love of drawing has never left me and i eventually studied textile design at Glasgow School of Art. I graduated and then spent the next 13 years working at GSA in the Textiles Department and then in Widening Participation..

I managed an innovative Scottish Funding Council project to increase access to Higher and Further Education from pupils in areas of deprivation. Working with over 90 High Schools in the West of Scotland designing and developing sessions and programmes to support pupils.. Pilot research of SIMD, introducing a targeted approach to admissions informing national research programme, Access to High Demand Professions.

This work, and becoming a parent, led me to look at how I could support children and families through creativity and better understanding the issues that many of us face.

As a Programme manager at Impact Arts, I managed a team of 16 Staff, over several flag ship programmes. for 16-25 year old NEET’s.

I learned more about early years and parenting through working for Home start North. I managed a small charity in Glasgow, Carnawadric Win, developing a funding startegy, applications, developing the project, working with volunteers and understanding the needs of a community through working closely with the community and other organisations to develop the best support possible.

I have delivered art sessions in schools for many years while working in other roles but after working in Kibble Safe Centre as the Art Instructor I decided to focus on supporting children through art and and have gradually increased the number of schools and pupils I work with.

In 2023 Picture This Paisley was born. Since then I have developed the creative work into a range of bespoke options that schools can chose from to gain the most appropriate support and creative program that will benefit pupils and help impact positive changes.