Trustees
Daisi is supported by our Board of Trustees who bring diverse skills and experience to Daisi from across a range of sectors including arts, education, heritage, public, private and business. The Board play a vital role in Daisi’s strategic direction, quality, innovation and sustainability. If you are interested in becoming a Daisi Trustee we advertise available positions on our News page.
Lisa Howard (Chair)
Lisa is a creative practitioner and researcher based in Plymouth, and has worked in the sector since 2006 in roles which actively promote access to arts and creativity, notably at Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Dulwich Picture Gallery. Lisa is a passionate advocate for the role and potential of artists to facilitate young peoples' self expression, wellbeing and voices - informed by professional experience as a creative practitioner working with groups and communities and of supporting research-led, strategic funding initiatives. A visual artist by training Lisa holds a primary degree in art history and theory and a Masters in museum studies and works across creative, academic and voluntary sectors. Current roles of Research and Impact Lead at Fotonow CIC, Honorary Research Fellow, University of Plymouth and Community Research Coordinator, Food Plymouth CIC provide Lisa with rich and diverse perspectives on the utility and impact of facilitating creative practice in a range of contexts, which she is honoured to bring to the role of Chair of Trustees at Daisi.
Kari Brooks (Vice Chair)
Kari has worked in and for the arts for over 25 years. She has variously been a teacher, manager, researcher and writer, for schools and arts organisations: including DanceEast, essexdance, People Dancing, Exeter College, Cornerstone Academy Trust and the Royal Opera House. Kari has two children and has particular interest and experience in dance, creative writing and the contribution of the arts to young people’s mental health and well-being. She holds a degree in dance, a post-graduate diploma in dance education and journalism and an MA in Language and Literacy in Education. “I strongly believe that the arts have a massive role to play not only in young people’s recovery from Covid but a huge value in inspiring their future well-being and development,” she says. Kari is excited to work with Daisi to support young people’s access to quality arts experiences in Devon and beyond.
Alexandra Devoy (Treasurer)
Alex is a civil servant who has worked across a number of fields including human rights, looked after children, and on the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights on the Child into domestic law. Having worked closely with trafficked and refugee children Alex has seen at first hand how important the arts are in supporting children and young people through rehabilitation. Alex joined the Daisi board to support the organisation in its important work and improve opportunities for our young people to engage with the arts.
David Harding-Brown
David is a design and branding professional based near Okehampton, with a particular interest in packaging and sustainability. Daisi provides a fantastic opportunity to mentor and engage with young people in the South-West, and to encourage participation in creative development and graphic design.
Ian Wood
With a management background in children’s mental health, Ian has dedicated much of their career to supporting young people, working closely with schools and health services to foster deeper understanding and better outcomes for those facing emotional and psychological challenges. A practicing artist with a degree in Fine Art, Ian brings creativity and compassion to every role. Currently based near Exeter, they manage a homeless service, continuing their commitment to social impact and community care.
Jay Levontine
Jay’s work as an artist and environmental educator explores the intersections between ecology and arts practices in place-based contexts. Knowing firsthand the challenges of accessing quality arts provision growing up on low-income in rural Devon, Jay is passionate about Daisi's mission of making accessible creative spaces that empower and transform individuals, communities and culture. They are a current candidate for the MPhil in Arts, Creativity & Education at the University of Cambridge.
Seth Tuson
Having grown up in North Devon, Seth is passionate about providing young people in rural areas with opportunities to engage with alternative and electronic music. After completing an undergraduate and master’s degree in the psychology of music, he has developed a particular interest in the benefits of creative music-making on young people’s mental health and well-being. He is especially interested in how music technology can enable young people with no prior musical experience to engage with music.
Yudi Wu
Yudi Wu is a Creative Producer at Exeter's local Arts & Culture organisations, Maketank & Devon Ukranian Association; they are also a freelance Creative Practitioner. Through the approach of creative technology and socially engaged art practice, Yudi's work focuses on the agency of underrepresented communities in relation to cyberculture and local regeneration.
Our Young Trustees
Daisi is proud to welcome three young trustees to our board, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable insight into the experiences of children and young people. Their voices help shape our work, ensuring it remains relevant, inclusive, and youth-focused. Involving young trustees strengthens our commitment to putting young people at the heart of everything we do.
“Working as a peer music educator at Hive/DYS Space really helped my brother gain confidence while he was studying music at college. He was a shy teenager, with a huge passion for music and people. The role gave him hands-on experience, insight into a music education career as well as something excellent for his CV. He also extended his friendships, confidence with talking to new people and professionalism.
With the help of Daisi, opportunities and funding is possible for our budding young musicians to flourish in a variety of ways. My brother is now studying film music at Leeds Conservatoire and looks back at his year with Hive/DYS Space fondly and recommends even more young people to get involved with the arts opportunities out there!”
