The Team

Staff

Alan Whitfield

Black and White portrait of a middle aged caucasian man with short hair, beard and moustace wearing rounded glasses with bold frame, smiling into the camera.

Visual Arts officer

Alan is DAC National Visual Arts officer, based in Conwy. He’s incredibly proud of his Job with DAC and always keen to go that bit further to create the best for his group of Artists. He supports DAC Artists to achieve their goals, from removing social isolation to taking on the world. It’s a great community, sharing, supporting and empowering each other.

Cerys Knighton

A young caucasian woman with long brown hair wearing a black top, blue jeans and a black rain coat smiling at the camera.

Digital Communications Manager

Cerys is excited to be taking on the role of Digital Communications Manager at DAC and is passionate about the role of art as a platform to challenge societal perceptions and highlight systemic barriers. Outside of DAC, Cerys is an award-winning visual artist and has achieved a PhD researching the historic medical and cultural identity of bipolarity.

Nye Russell-Thompson

Young caucasian man with blonde hair grinning at the camera, with sunlight on his face and wearing a grey jumper, grey hoodie, blue denim jacket and rucksack.

Performing Arts and Literature officer

Based in Cardiff, Nye is Disability Arts Cymru’s Performing Arts and Literature Officer. Nye spent the past year working with young DAC members with events, opportunities and skill development as Youth Arts Officer. He is excited to work in much the same way with members involved in literature and the performing arts. With his award-winning theatre company StammerMouth, Nye tours creatively accessible shows about subjects which are difficult to discuss.

Owain Gwilym

Caucasian man in his thirties with black hair which is longer at the top, wearing a black tshirt. He has big blue eyes and stares seriously at the camera. Behind him out of focus hanging on the wall are two guitars, one electric and one acoustic.

Executive Director

Owain is excited to be the Executive Director for DAC, leading the organisation. He has worked in arts and disability focused roles for over the last 10 years and is an advocate of access and equality in arts and culture. Owain is proud to lead such a passionate and experienced team and is always learning from them. Outside of DAC, Owain is an internationally published musician, a postgraduate researcher of Creative Practice and Climate Crisis and a board member of AM, the media platform of Wales.

Rachel Stelmach

Caucasian woman with dark short hair wearing square glasses, blue polo shirt and blue hoody, in focus in front of a blurred background of blue sky and winter trees.

Training and Funding Officer

Rachel has worked with DAC since 2003 as a specialist freelance disability equality trainer delivering all across Wales. In 2011 she became West Wales Field Officer, then an artform Officer for the creative technology group and now Training and Funding Officer. Delivering training to arts sector organisations across Wales, and bespoke training for DAC members. She offers funding advice for artists, covering disability benefits, Access to Work and grant applications for arts projects or other reasons. Rachel continues to provide tech support and advice for artists across all artforms.

Sue Pound

A middle aged caucasian lady with blonde hair wearing glasses and a floral dress, smiling to the camera.

Finance and Admin Manager

Sue has worked for Disability Arts Cymru since 2016 and is based at the Cardiff Office. As her job title suggests she deals with the Finance of the organisation as well as the general day to day Administration. Sue oversees the membership database so all members will hear from her at least once a year when they are invited to renew their membership.