Helen Coburn is a Creative Director and Artist based in Belfast, N.Ireland.

Helen has 20 years experience of working in partnership and arts development in the voluntary sector and creative industries. She has a professional visual arts background and is a qualified youth and community worker. Helen honed group facilitation skills through youth arts, community programmes, supporting freelance artists and event management.

After graduating with a Fine and Applied Arts Degree, Helen was encouraged to move away from NI, framed as the only way to achieve a successful career as a ‘female’ artist. A chance encounter with kind folk working tirelessly away in the (arty) shadows led to hearing wisdom that still resonates daily, “Someone has to stay here & make it better!”

Her holistic approach to practice is motivated by a belief in the powerful impact creativity has on wellbeing. Helen’s catalyst for becoming a mural artist was a positive residency experience with ARTSCARE in Belfast City Hospital. Co-ordinating projects in grassroots settings built her person centred leadership style, organisational skills and reflective attitude.

Helen’s adaptability, hopeful focus and resilient passion has led to launching Hoyden Art. ‘Hoyden’ was once used to describe bold and boisterous behaviour, often when women shared unwanted opinions. This meaning may have diluted over time, but being loud and making an impact through advocacy is still relevant. The vision of Hoyden Art is to showcase local artists and nurture meaningful connections across a wider network.

Helen is passionate about tackling inequalities and the positive, transformative effect of personal expression. The recent #TellMeMore initiative is about making time in a safe space to share yourself with others. As a qualified playworker Helen incorporates sensory activities and generates dialogue in accessible group work sessions, helping amplify the voice of marginalized groups. This socially conscious collaboration brings valuable learning and guides future planning.

Shine bright, lift others and be heard.

Everyone is invited to share their ‘Hoyden’ Spirit!

Areas of Focus:

• Developing Partnerships

• Arts Consultation

• Bespoke Commissions

• Community Facilitation

• Creative Skills Training

• Event Management

• Sensory Installations