Meet Sian and Ashley

Inspire are delighted to announce that Sian Watson and Ashley Thorpe are the 2026 Artist and Author in Residence for Inspire!

Artist Sian Watson

Artist Sian Watson

Sian Watson specialises in running visual art and movement workshops that help find ways of broadening creative experiences for children and families, working towards using imaginative re-thinking to gain a deeper understanding of how children learn. Her work includes drawing, sculpture, installations, performance and sound.

IG: sianwatsontaylor

FB: SianWTaylor


Author Ashley Thorpe

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Ashley Thorpe is a Nottingham-born, award-nominated author of fantasy fiction for children. His first two adventures, both published by Usborne, put a compelling spin on West African and Caribbean mythology and folklore. His books have been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Jhalak Prize, the Branford Boase Award and The Week Junior Award for Breakthrough Book.

IG: ashley_thorpe


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