About us

Octopus Arts Shropshire provide high quality arts services, workshops and projects for education, community and corporate establishments. We are committed to increasing well-being, confidence and creative skills through providing the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to participate in fun and engaging arts activities.

We hold enhanced DBS certificates, public liability insurance up to £5,000,000 and are registered Arts Awards assessors in Discover, Explore, Bronze, Silver and Gold. We are accustomed to undertaking risk assessments and ensure child protection procedure is adhered to at all times.

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Contact us

t : 01952 883 802

t : 01952 884 482

m : 07515 723 728

m : 07702 169 386

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Octopus Arts Shropshire

Our history

Octopus Arts are based in Broseley, Shropshire and founded by visual artists Caris Jackson and Natalie Toplass who have 20 years experience working as professional arts workshop leaders.

We were employed as Project Artists with Telford & Wrekin Creative Development Team (formerly the Children and Young People's Art Team) from 2005 until 2007 to project manage, develop and deliver creative arts for vulnerable young people at risk of exclusion.

Our extensive experience has enabled us to acquire excellent subject knowledge of varied art practices to facilitate opportunities for change and development.

Caris Jackson

Caris Jackson

Caris obtained a degree in Fine Art in 1995 from Liverpool John Moores University and has been involved in community arts since 1996.

She is a qualified further and adult education tutor, having previously taught art at Cardiff University, HM Prison Parc, Telford College of Arts and Technology, The Gateway in Shrewsbury and within local community education.

Caris was an Arts Development Officer with Telford & Wrekin Council 2010-11 and Curating Project Facilitator at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for the Koestler Trust 2012-13.

Natalie Toplass

Natalie Toplass

Natalie has a degree in Fine Art from The University of Lancashire and a Post Graduate Certificate in Stage Design from the Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Previously she worked at the Haymarket Theatre, Leicester as a costume and props assistant and the Mercury Theatre, Colchester as a scenic artist.

She continues to paint professionally and has exhibited all over the country including Birmingham City Art Gallery, Judith Blacklock Gallery in Knightsbridge, Cork Street galleries and the Royal Academy, London.

'Their creative ability is matched by their commitment to supporting participants to achieve their potential.'

John Cocker, Creative & Cultural Team Leader, Telford & Wrekin Council

Octopus Arts Shropshire ©2016