Pete Sparkes (Chair)

Pete is a musician and educator specialising in working with technology and inclusive methodology. Pete has been Artistic Director of Drake Music Scotland since 2010 working with an amazing team of Associate Musicians to deliver an award-winning programme of national and international projects. He has also worked for Bookstart, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and as a freelancer in a wide variety of collaborative arts projects all over the UK.

He has a keen interest and knowledge of performing arts education, with a particular focus on inclusion and working in Scotland’s funding landscape. He firmly believes that Performing Arts can and should have a greater presence, relevance and influence in our society.

Pete loves to play trombone and can sometimes be found on Portobello Prom performing with the Shunpike Social Club.

Tanatsei Gambura

Tanatsei Gambura is a poet, intermedia artist and cultural practitioner based in Edinburgh. A student at the University of Edinburgh, she takes a research-based approach to her practice, often centring archival material as the point of departure of her work. Tanatsei is interested in children's development with a focus on supporting BAME young people. She has a particular interest in theatre and enjoys performing musical numbers in front of her mirror in her spare time. 

Donna Laing

Donna Laing is an experienced Project, Change and People Manager. She is not afraid of a challenge and has an established reputation for implementing complex change in a collaborative way (no drama!). A seasoned netball player, she is passionate about the sport and club she represents.

Emma Robertson-Werner

Emma joined the Catherine Wheel's Board at the start of 2018. She is currently Director of Marketing & Communications at Edinburgh University Students' Association. Prior to working in higher education, she held a number of marketing and audience development roles in arts and cultural organisations including the Festival, King's and Lyceum Theatres. Emma is passionate about enabling early years arts and cultural experiences for all.

Dawn Taylor

Dawn is the Artistic Director and CEO of Puppet Animation Scotland, Scotland's development agency for visual theatre, puppetry and animated film, who also produce the annual Manipulate and Puppet Animation Festivals. She has worked as project lead and creative producer for leading cultural organisations across the UK. Outside of her professional life, she is usually to be found exploring the countryside near her home in Falkirk or making mud pies with her son.