who we are
In Place of War is a global organisation that uses creativity in places of conflict as a tool for positive change.
UK team
Our 100-strong network of international change-makers are supported by a dedicated and passionate team of UK based International Development and Arts Practitioners who facilitate knowledge sharing, logistical expertise and research support.
RUTH DANIEL
CEO & Creative Director
Ruth Daniel is the CEO and Artistic Director of In Place of War, an activist, change-maker, Honorary Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, and proud owner of an old VW van. As CEO, Ruth has led global arts and peace-building initiatives, developing over 100 cultural programmes in conflict zones and disadvantaged areas. From guitarist at 8 to record label owner, band manager, TEDx speaker, and award winner, Ruth empowers people through creative entrepreneurship and artistic collaboration.
TERESA BEAN
Director of Research and Education
Teresa leads research at In Place of War, focusing on papers, evaluation, funding proposals, and academic partnerships. Her research on art-based social movements builds on her postgraduate studies and fieldwork. She developed IPOW's education programmes and created the CASE Programme, overseeing projects in Uganda, Colombia, South Africa, and MENA, recognized by the University of Manchester for social impact. She is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Manchester.
ROZENN LOGAN
Senior Producer
Rozenn is a Senior Producer with a background in multidisciplinary arts, curating, engagement, and event production. She holds a Fine Art Painting degree from the University of Brighton and a Master's with Distinction in Contemporary Curating from Manchester School of Art. She was Head of Education at the Saatchi Gallery, developing artist-led engagement programs. At In Place of War, she manages creative peace-building projects, programs, and events with the international change-maker network.
DAGMARA KWIATKOWSKA
Finance Manager
Dagmara (Dags) manages finances at In Place of War. Dags is the main contact for day-to-day queries; is an experienced finance officer studying for her ACCA qualification; is passionate about her role; and engaged in charity work. She joined In Place of War in 2023, bringing a wealth of practical experience to the management team.
INES TERCIO
Funding Manager
Ines is an arts professional with extensive leadership experience. As Executive Director at Fuel, she raised over £3.5m. She also served as Executive Director at Phakama and Tramshed, and produced Nour Festival's learning programme. Ines has consulted and fundraised for companies like Clayground Collective and Freddie Opoku-Addaie. She sits on the board of the Independent Theatre Council and runs bid writing courses. Ines joins In Place of War as Funding Manager, bringing her expertise and passion for the arts.
ALISON SURTEES
CASE Malta Training & Development Manager
Alison is a Creative Producer, trainer, consultant, and social entrepreneur. She co-founded Manchester Digital Music Archive and Future’s Venture Foundation. As the ALF UK Coordinator at In Place of War, she trains in entrepreneurial programmes and serves on the boards of Ordsall Community Arts and Fuse Arts Space Bradford. Alison provides training for clients like BBC Digital Cities and ScreenSkills. Her consultancy focuses on strategic reviews for charities and creative organisations. She also collaborates with Soup Collective and curates exhibitions with MDMArchive.
MARCUS ROSS
#HackMusic Project Manager
Marcus is the Project Manager of #HackMusic at In Place of War, leading funding, mentorship, education, and industry partnerships to support grassroots music communities across the world. A former touring musician, he has built a career bridging the creative and commercial sides of the music industry. He has held senior leadership roles at BMG, FUGA, Pandora, and PlayNetwork, specialising in artist development, licensing, and streaming strategy. Through #HackMusic, he connects emerging music change-makers with resources, opportunities, and global networks, helping to create sustainable futures for artists working in places affected by conflict, poverty, and marginalisation.
VICKIE AMIRALIS
Music Label Development Manager
Vickie is an artist, curator, and project manager focused on environmental and community arts. She is the Label Development Manager at In Place of War and sits on the Global Music Industry Advisory Board. Vickie has curated music releases and managed product design, marketing, and distribution, including In Place of War’s Cucusonic album on recycled vinyl, exploring Colombia’s biodiversity. She also launched an independent studio for her art practice and education projects. Her debut event, SEEDS, explored the human-nature nexus with a free exhibition and event series.
SARIA TOURBAH
EarthSonic Project Coordinator
Saria is the EarthSonic Project Coordinator at In Place of War, contributing to the projects development. She has been in the music industry for years, working with artists, producing and managing live events, and staying updated with trends. With her passion for promoting music from different cultures and providing artists with tools to export globally, she co-founded the Saja Foundation, bringing art classes to vulnerable children in and out of hospitals.
Diego Gómez Guzmán
Record Label Manager (Maternity Cover)
Music producer, sound engineer, and cultural manager with over 10 years of experience in music production, record label management, and cultural programming. Founder and Artistic Director of Llorona Records and Discos Pacífico, independent labels and production platforms focused on contemporary Latin and Afro-diasporic roots music, as well as dub and electronic experimentation rooted in these traditions. Extensive experience working with internationally recognised artists, developing cross-cultural projects, producing award-winning recordings, and collaborating with public institutions, festivals, and cultural markets across Latin America, Europe and Australia.
MERLYN DRIVER
EarthSonic Archive Manager
Merlyn is a musician, creative producer, and nature enthusiast focused on the connections between music and the environment. His rural upbringing and studies in anthropology and ethnomusicology shape his songwriting and commitment to social and environmental causes. Merlyn launched Making Tracks, an intercultural and environmentally-focused music exchange programme. His projects include the album Simmerdim: Curlew Sounds, released with the RSPB and inspired by the endangered curlew.
SUSAN O’SHEA
Educational Cultural Ambassador
Susan is a Senior Lecturer in cultural sociology and founding member of the Music and Sonic Studies (MASS) research group. Passionate about using music and sound to challenge inequalities and inspire action, her research examines gender, social justice movements, cultural participation and digital archives. Music and sound are powerful tools for social change, but music worlds are often challenging spaces for women and minority genders. As an Arts Emergency mentor, Susan supports young people interested in education and careers in the arts, humanities and creative industries. You’ll often find her at gigs in a Manchester grassroots music venue or performing with her band Factory Acts.
NATALIE BEECH
Communications Manager
Natalie is the Communications Manager at In Place of War, leading on communications and social media strategies. She has over nine years’ experience in communications working with arts and non-profit organisations in the UK and internationally, including organisations such as Without Walls, An Indian Summer Festival, Hackney Empire, Dibby Theatre and more. She is also an award-winning writer and editor with a background in journalism, dedicated to bringing the power of storytelling to all areas of her work.
BOBBI Quincey-Jones
Chief Operating Officer
Bobbi is the Chief Operating Officer (COO). With nearly 20 years of experience as a Creative Producer, Project Manager, and Operations Manager in the charity and arts sectors, she’s worked with organisations including UNICEF, Port Eliot Festival, Festival Number 6, and The Idler Academy. This is Bobbi’s second time with In Place of War—she’s back after previously serving as Director of Production & Logistics for over six years. Bobbi is a mother of one young son Frankie, and in her spare time manages space funk band The Future Psychedelics the Future.
JUAN CHAO
Indigenous Community Advisor
Juan joins the In Place of War team as Indigenous Community Advisor, feeding into our projects and methodologies working with indigenous communities. This will involve creating and maintaining a database; sharing archiving methodologies; contributing to funding applications; and advising on the cultural, practical and ethical considerations of working with indigenous communities.
