Team Q&A: Georgina Maud, Arts and Creative Development Coordinator at Rushbond

1. Can you tell me a little bit about your background

My role at Rushbond is to ensure that spaces feel relevant and meaningful. Animating places with art, creativity and engaging with a community is at the heart of this. During my teenage years growing up here in Yorkshire, I was hugely inspired by a work experience placement at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park where I got to work alongside the site engineers to install major works of art into the landscape. I then studied Land Management at the Royal Agricultural University followed by a Master’s at 英国华威大学 in ‘History and Business of Art’. My final thesis considered sculpture in an urban context, specifically in Leeds.

2. What do you feel sets Rushbond apart from other property developers?

I wanted to work for Rushbond because the company genuinely supports and values the contribution that art and creativity makes to our environments. My role is to continuously inform and update spaces with a creative approach and engage with artists in the process. I also lead on creative commissions as part of new development projects.

3. What does a typical day look like??

My days are so varied so there is no one, typical day. However, among my favourites are those where I get to meet with driven, inspiring artists who can help make a space come to life. Often, projects take a long time from conception to completion because, depending on the scale of artwork and the fact that many of our projects involve the careful refurbishment of listed, heritage buildings, planning applications are often required. Patience and perseverance are key; but the end result is always worth it.

4. Can you tell me about a culture commission for a Rushbond project which is especially meaningful to you?

I have worked on many, varied projects. I particularly enjoy creative projects for the Leeds Corn Exchange , one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the city, which we’re lucky enough to have as part of our portfolio. Recently, Cat Barrett’s stunning watercolour staircases and April Key 's neon hanging installation in the main entrance were brilliant projects to be part of – both very different artistic responses which give a fresh look and feel to this historic building.

A project that demonstrates how art can reflect a community’s past, present and future is Stonebridge Beck outside Farnley. This development project saw Rushbond transform a historic, derelict mill into stunning mill townhouses alongside complementary new build homes. Machinery inside the mill was salvaged and we worked with leading sculptor, Chris Knight, to create a powerful sculpture incorporating a reclaimed water wheel. The sculpture is called ‘Embrace’ and stands at the entrance signifying this place’s proud heritage.

5. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy visiting exhibitions to further inspire my creativity. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Wakefield are both brilliant destinations with works from leading, global artists. We are lucky to have such high-quality cultural offerings in the north. Creativity is part of the DNA of Yorkshire – and it’s something we aim to bring to life in ways that are unique to each place and project we deliver.