Meet The Neighbours - Katy Fuller

Katy is the founder and Director of Pinwheel, creators of magical, breath-taking events which inspire curiosity, spark imagination, transform familiar spaces and transport audiences. Pinwheel brings large audiences together to share communal experiences which always have a relevance and a resonance for the place and people.

Currently, Pinwheel is Creative Director and Producer for the Opening Event of Edinburgh International Festival, creating a spectacular new production to launch the festival season. Projects in recent years include North of the Tyne, Under the Stars, a series of spellbinding outdoor events across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside, and the Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival, an inclusive, multidisciplinary festival including large scale performances, touring public art works and a programme of engagement opportunities across Northern England.

After a spell away from the region, working as Executive Producer for Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and then Creative Director and CEO of the successor company Absolutely Cultured, Katy returned to the North East in 2021, and established Pinwheel’s base in what is now the North Shields Cultural Quarter. Katy is also the Chair of the North Tyneside Cultural Partnership and is enjoying connecting with companies and individuals from across and beyond the cultural sector.

Katy said: “It’s great to feel the enthusiasm and passion from people living and working in this area to see North Shields achieve its potential as far as opportunities for culture and creativity go. For us it is exciting having more opportunities to work on our doorstep as these initiatives take shape. There are so many brilliant people and companies working here, and new collaborations are emerging all the time.”