Olivia Peers
Olivia Peers is a dance artist from Mossley, Manchester. Olivia trained at Liverpool John Moores University where she was part of the undergraduate company JMUpstart as an Educational Outreach Worker. This experience has shaped her entire career. Her life is a mission to explore the myriad of ways dance can be used to understand the world that we live in. Olivia has danced in libraries, museums, theatres, reservoirs, church halls, and along the streets of Manchester working with dancers from 3 to 92 years old.
She recently developed her own company ‘Born and Bred Dance Theatre’ which focuses on using dance as an educational tool to explore local heritage and landscape and use dance to bring together communities. Olivia’s main practice is community focused and about finding new ways to access and enjoy dancing and moving.
Phill Howley
Phill Howley is a Manchester-based arts leader, musician, and creative development specialist with over 20 years’ experience delivering inclusive, community-focused projects across the UK. As Director of Howley Creative Development, he collaborates with organisations such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Brighter Sound, Love Music Trust, Salford University, and BIMM to design and deliver creative programmes that empower individuals, nurture talent, and strengthen local communities.
An experienced project manager, facilitator, and mentor, Phill has developed and led training programmes for music teachers, youth workers, and emerging artists, and has delivered projects supporting adults and young people facing significant challenges in their everyday lives, often in diverse and demanding settings. He is also a member of the Manchester Music City Steering Group and a participant in the Clore Leadership Pulse programme, demonstrating his commitment to sector-wide leadership and sustainable, inclusive creative practice.
Alongside his development work, Phill is an accomplished professional musician and a member of Honeyfeet. He has toured internationally and collaborated with artists such as Rioghnach Connolly, Graham Massey, Alabaster Deplume, Liz Green, and Marconi Union. His performances include major UK and international festivals, with music featuring on BBC 6 Music, Radio 2, BBC TV, and Sky TV’s Brassic.
Abz Knaggs
Abz is a percussionist and guitarist who is eager to bring a youth voice to Friends of The Vale. She has been involved with Global Grooves and The Vale since she was just 12years old! Abz took part in the 21/22 Future Leaders program where she grew in confidence and skill. Abz also sits on the National Youth Orchestra’s Youth Board. As an active member of the Global Grooves Bloco she’s at The Vale every Tuesday night!