THE TEAM

““The strongest communities also teach their members how to improve internal health, including emotional and mental growth that cannot be learned from books or videos.”
― Charles H. Vogl, The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging”

'Founders Corin & Hannah grew up in the West Midlands and both had been suffering with secondary mental health issues due to their disabilities and chronic health' Hannah says.

'We were imagined up initially by Corin Salter who, after being diagnosed with Asperger's, came back home from 15 years working in the arts scene in London and felt he needed to create a space without pressure to experiment and showcase any medium.'

A copy of our constitution you are free to download

Fueled by a mutual love for art and a drive to create a sense of community, they incorporated the initiative in 2018 into The Asylum Art Gallery LTD, a space for artists to showcase their work and develop new ideas.

What started as a small space to showcase local art evolved into artist studios, a workshop programme, skills development and local partnerships to deliver public art and community events.

After 10 years of grassroots work with the local community and complimentary work in the wider cultural sector, their combined lived and work experience foster a unique and personal approach to placebased interventions, with the directorship team for the CIC arm of the organisation expanding to 6 in 2025 .

Hannah Taylor - CEO, Director & Creative placemaking strategic lead

[ Experience ] Artist, Contemporary arts producer, Public Programme manager, Project manager, Fundraiser, Partnership manager, Disability support worker, Curator, Arts & Landscape Coordinator

Hannah.taylor@theasylumartgallery.com

07775433314

Working days – Wednesdays and Saturdays

Currently the Arts Coordinator for Balfour Beatty Vinci managing the delivery of the three year arts and culture programme for their client HS2.

I am passionate about Community engaged public arts outcomes and robust and equitable development programmes for the cultural sector. I believe in developing work that provides space for codesign with the local communities and focused special interest groups with publicly accessible outcomes that support regeneration. I'm always happy to discuss collaborations or consultancy with other groups that hold these values.

Graduate of RCA - Contemporary Arts Practice: Performance

Personal arts practise and mentoring:
www.hermasks.co.uk
www.fragmentsarchive.co.uk

[Things I manage for Asylum]

Stakeholder and partnerships relationships, Fundraising and accounting, the development of our programme in line with our priorities, wellbeing and safeguarding, comms, project management and arts producer for projects.

Corin Stephenson Salter - Founder, Director, Curator, Artist Mentor

[ Experience ] Artist, Curator, mentor & tutor, placemaking and socio-political consultant, graphic designer, art technician

Returning from London to Wolverhampton after 15 years working in graphic design and finally being correctly diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of 37, I wished to continue a career in the creative industries and the arts, but finding opportunities and space severely lacking in the area, especially for disadvantaged individuals, I founded my own gallery space in Wolverhampton in 2015. I have since curated over 150 art exhibitions and events supporting, mentoring and championing talented creatives who have felt excluded from institutional or established venues. We work with many vulnerable adults and I believe in advocating for difference and freedom to experiment with artistic practise.

[Things I manage for Asylum]

Exhibitions and curatorial development. Internships and work experience. Artist mentoring/portfolio development, curation and art technician, facilities management, graphic design.

Corin.salter@theasylumartgallery.com

07506963884

Working days – flexible weekdays and Saturdays

Connor Sean Baker - Director, Mentor & Facilities Manager

[ Experience ] Fine Artist, Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Political Activist

Connor.baker@theasylumartgallery.com

07551497967

Working days – Flexible weekdays and Sundays

Born & bred in the Black country and a life-long Arts practitioner; I believe in helping Artists to bring their vision to life.

As a dedicated advocate for alternative creative spaces and independent artistic expression, I am committed to fostering inclusive, community-driven arts initiatives. Through my work with The Asylum gallery, I strive to provide a platform for underrepresented voices, supporting artists who challenge conventional narratives.

My practice is rooted in a belief that art should be accessible, experimental, and a catalyst for change. Whether through curation, collaboration, or consultancy, I am always keen to engage with those who share a vision for a more diverse and resilient cultural landscape.

BA(Hons) Graphic design student

[Things I manage for Asylum]

Facilities, access, commercial & hire, business operations, governance, policies & procedures, political & social-economic research lead

Alex Bird - Director, Learning & Engagement Lead, Digital platforms

[ Experience ] Artist, mentor & tutor, art technician, SEND trained. Safe Guarding trained

I am a hyperrealistic artist specialising in charcoal with a strong focus on portraiture. I continuously push the boundaries of realism in my craft.

I am is deeply inspired by community-engaged projects and am passionate about making art more accessible. I am committed to fostering a thriving creative space, supporting local artists, and ensuring the gallery’s sustainability through strategic planning, funding applications, and community-driven initiatives.

As an education tutor, I am dedicated to providing accessible learning opportunities for all ages to shape their futures through various subjects beyond art. By providing guidance, mentorship, and essential skills, I aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to pursue whatever avenue they choose.

I am also a content creator, using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase work, engage with a growing audience, and generate sales.

Facebook: /alexbirdartist

Instagram: alexbirdportraits

TikTok: @alexbirdartist

[Things I manage for Asylum]

Digital platforms, learning & engagement opportunities, upskilling, mentoring & some public programme, safeguarding officer.

Alex.bird@theasylumartgallery.com

07376883238

Working days – flexible weekdays and Saturdays

Giovanni Uche - Director, Public Program Manager, Producer
[ Experience ] Multidisciplinary Artist, workshop facilitator, Digital Marketing Specialist, Brand designer.

Giovanni.uche@theasylumartgallery.com

Working days – Flexible weekdays

Beginning my career as an illustrator I have since expanded into costume making, performance, and print. My work seamlessly blends visual storytelling with intricate political commentary, while also engaging communities through thought-provoking social art projects. The bulk of my creative output is heavily inspired by West-African folklore

I believe in developing spaces for gathering, conversation and activation. I work with a host of different materials and spaces to

With each project, I am able to push the boundaries of my creativity, demonstrating the transformative power of art in uniting and inspiring us all.

BA (Hons): Visual Communication: Illustration

MA: Art and Design: Interdisciplinary practices

I run the Wolves Art Club project out of the Asylum Artist Studios. We offer art workshop primarily in Wolverhampton, classes such as collage workshops, life drawing classes, social art events and more. The WAC has had the opportunity to collaborate with a host of different organisations i.e. Asylum Artist Quarter, SUIT. Bilston resource centre and more.

[Things I manage for Asylum]

Public programme and public brand aesthetic

Website: www.giovanniuche.com

Instagram: @giovanni.uche

Project Instagram: @wolvesart.club & @ozara.dance

THE TEAM

““The strongest communities also teach their members how to improve internal health, including emotional and mental growth that cannot be learned from books or videos.” ― Charles H. Vogl, The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging”

Hannah Taylor - CEO, Director & Creative placemaking strategic lead

[ Experience ] Artist, Contemporary arts producer, Public Programme manager, Project manager, Fundraiser, Partnership manager, Disability support worker, Curator, Arts & Landscape Coordinator

Corin Stephenson Salter - Founder, Director, Curator, Artist Mentor

[ Experience ] Artist, Curator, mentor & tutor, placemaking and socio-political consultant, graphic designer, art technician

Connor Sean Baker - Director, Mentor & Facilities Manager

[ Experience ] Fine Artist, Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Political Activist

Alex Bird - Director, Learning & Engagement Lead, Digital platforms

[ Experience ] Artist, mentor & tutor, art technician, SEND trained. Safe Guarding trained

Giovanni Uche - Director, Public Program Manager, Producer [ Experience ] Multidisciplinary Artist, workshop facilitator, Digital Marketing Specialist, Brand designer.

““The strongest communities also teach their members how to improve internal health, including emotional and mental growth that cannot be learned from books or videos.”
― Charles H. Vogl, The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging”

Giovanni Uche - Director, Public Program Manager, Producer
[ Experience ] Multidisciplinary Artist, workshop facilitator, Digital Marketing Specialist, Brand designer.