Kate is a programmer, curator and arts consultant with extensive experience shaping ambitious and engaging cultural programmes. As Artistic Director of Curious Minds, she leads the festival’s creative vision and programming, bringing together world-class speakers, emerging voices and local talent. She is passionate about creating events that spark curiosity, open up new perspectives and connect audiences across the city.

Anu Anand is an award-winning broadcaster, global journalist and lecturer. She has reported from over 40 countries for the BBC and NPR’s Marketplace. Anu now teaches journalism at Bath Spa University and is founder of The Bath Bee, a hyper-local news project dedicated to strengthening local journalism, training emerging reporters and building community support for quality, independent reporting. For Curious Minds, she has curated an event exploring how local journalism can bring people together in an increasingly polarised world.

Sarah Baker is a Bath-based social media and PR professional working with small and medium-sized businesses across the region. Through her brand Worship the Ground, she develops digital content, shapes brand stories and builds strong media relationships. Sarah was one half of the events duo Trouble Lounge, a former Bath in Fashion Director, and is a proud member of the Strength in Style team. As a Curious Minds guest curator, Sarah’s events are warm, conversation-led and rooted in shared experience, confidence and identity.

Jasmine works across Bath’s cultural sector as a marketing director, audience specialist and creative producer. As Marketing Director for Curious Minds, she leads the festival’s marketing strategy and audience research, and also produces the Movie at the Museum strand. She is passionate about using insight to widen access, deepen engagement and ensure the festival reaches audiences across the city.

Hiba Elhindi is a Sudanese-British cultural producer based in the South West. She is passionate about using the arts to empower young people, bring communities together and amplify underrepresented stories. Hiba is Founder and Artistic Director of Sudafest CIC, curating projects that celebrate Sudanese heritage and creative practice, including festivals, exhibitions, workshops and participatory programmes. She also founded Bath Refugee Festival, the city’s first refugee festival, in 2025. For Curious Minds, Hiba curates an event centred on Sudan, sharing culture, history and lived experience through the arts.

Kate is a producer with a background in festivals, classical music and live broadcast television. As Producer of Curious Minds, she brings her calm, collaborative approach to shaping the festival’s delivery, supporting artists and creating an environment where ideas can thrive. She is passionate about building welcoming, well-run events that connect audiences with inspiring cultural experiences.

Spencer Hancock has worked in arts and events for over 20 years, with a background in theatre and performance. His career spans television, festivals, live performance, exhibitions and museums. He is Head of Operations at the Holburne Museum and has produced and programmed hundreds of events across Bath and beyond. As a guest curator for Curious Minds, Spencer brings a focus on men’s mental health and wellbeing, alongside a belief in the power of culture to connect and support communities.

Ellie is a freelance film programmer, event producer and marketing specialist, working with all things heritage. Curious about the relationship between cinema and archaeology, Ellie founded Archaeo-Heritage Film 2024. She has since worked on events around the South-West, including 'Movie at the Museum', a unique curatorial strand of Curious Minds Festival in collaboration with FilmBath.

Manganaro is a poet, performer and event organiser, curating the poetry strand for Curious Minds Festival 2026. They are a 2025 Queer Bath Award recipient and winner of the 2024 DIVA Magazine Poetry Competition, and have supported artists including Alice Oswald. Their work explores identity, bilingual experience and the textures of everyday life. During a residency at Emerge, Manganaro explored the radical histories linking zines and writing, producing a collection of poetry postcards. They are co-founder of Bath’s poetry night Chimes and are passionate about supporting the local creative community.
Photo credit: Kathryn O’Driscoll

Jason Thornton is a conductor and music-maker with a deep commitment to community-led cultural work. He spent 30 years as Music Director of Bath Philharmonia, helping it grow into a bold, inclusive orchestra, and is Artistic Director of Budleigh Music Festival. Alongside concerts and festivals, Jason works with young carers and communities who are often underrepresented on the concert platform. As guest curator for Curious Minds Festival 2026, he brings curiosity, creativity and a belief that music is most powerful when it is shared, surprising and open to all.

Tessa is a programmer and administrator at various arts festivals and is tenacious about artist care. She is an advocate for drawing attention to under-represented voices in the arts and assists with the promotion of events in the South West. She is delighted to join Curious Minds in 2026 to support the smooth and calm delivery of such an inspiring collaborative event.