Damon Jackson-Waldock – Programme Director

About me

I was born and raised in Sheffield and later studied Fine Art at Sheffield Hallam. I am passionate about making opportunities accessible to all and love creating, developing and delivering contemporary art exhibitions, events, open-air commissions and public programming. I have been lucky to have worked on a wide range of engaging projects that cross-over curatorial, learning and outreach.

I am dedicated to promoting graduate, early-mid career, and career-break artistic practice, as well as sharing my own personal journey and experience in the art world to encourage others to break barriers and promote accessibility. Over the years my roles have allowed me to explore themes that really matter. As issues around the world grow, that role gets bigger, and I am not afraid to use programming to raise important questions and be more risk-taking. 

Why the TAH?

I was so excited to join the team. After an incredible decade in the arts – beginning as a graduate and working my way up to be a curator – and being involved in some amazing projects in Yorkshire, I knew I wanted to carry on contributing to the region. For me, the most rewarding part of the role is nurturing new ideas or supporting artists taking that next step in their practice, and giving them the opportunity to do that. Which is exactly the philosophy of The Art House!

I also love how The Art House expands opportunities beyond the walls of the gallery into the community to make art more accessible to those who have limited opportunities to engage otherwise. I faced many barriers entering the art world having come from a working-class background where a career in the arts just wasn’t the norm and navigating that world after university. I know first-hand how difficult getting into the arts can seem, so I hope to build on the Art House’s fantastic work and create an arts programme that reflects a diverse range of voices and views