Meet the team
I’ve been working in the Arts for over 8 years now and have founded three companies. A live music events company organising world tours for Latin American artists, an immersive live music events company and my latest business, which is my lockdown baby called Chueco, an online platform connecting consumers of craft with independent makers.
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Two years ago I started supporting Aysen in the management and delivery of our corporate creative partnerships for the Crafts Council and here we are today.
Aysen Yilmaz
Founder & Managing Director
Aysen is an award-winning consultant with 30+ years in business development and communications, bridging corporate and cultural sectors.
She’s led global comms for the likes of Microsoft and Getty Images, was a board member of MSL and has secured partnerships for cross-sector organisations and brands spanning the RA, Factory International, Chatsworth House, Crafts Council, Brookfield Properties, CHANEL, LOEWE Foundation and Tinder.
Aysen oversees all aspects of KAYA Partnerships and builds bespoke teams based on a project's objectives. Here is a cross section of our handpicked specialist consultants and long-time work colleagues.
I’ve been working in the Arts for over 8 years now and have founded three companies. A live music events company organising world tours for Latin American artists, an immersive live music events company and my latest business, which is my lockdown baby called Chueco, an online platform connecting consumers of craft with independent makers.
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Two years ago I started supporting Aysen in the management and delivery of our corporate creative partnerships for the Crafts Council and here we are today.
Tim Jones
Cultural Placemaking Strategy Consultant
Tim is a leading cultural strategist and broker specialising in arts and placemaking since 2005.
He bridges arts, commerce and the built environment, working with cities, developers and institutions to embed culture into place.
He led Culture Mile with the Barbican, Museum of London and others, and shaped the City of London’s new Cultural Planning Framework.
He teaches cultural placemaking at Goldsmiths and Central School of Speech and Drama, and sits on key placemaking leadership councils.
I’ve been working in the Arts for over 8 years now and have founded three companies. A live music events company organising world tours for Latin American artists, an immersive live music events company and my latest business, which is my lockdown baby called Chueco, an online platform connecting consumers of craft with independent makers.
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Two years ago I started supporting Aysen in the management and delivery of our corporate creative partnerships for the Crafts Council and here we are today.
Jenny Houghton
Senior Creative Partnerships Consultant
Jenny has over 25 years’ experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry, leading PR teams both in-house and agency-side and has represented a broad spectrum of brands from established fashion designers, independent retailers, luxury brands and NGOs including Fashion Revolution.
Jenny also worked as an Associate Lecturer at the University for the Creative Arts in Epsom, leading the Fashion Business and Fashion Marketing & Communications MA courses, so is familiar with working within education and has a strong industry and brand engagement expertise.
I’ve been working in the Arts for over 8 years now and have founded three companies. A live music events company organising world tours for Latin American artists, an immersive live music events company and my latest business, which is my lockdown baby called Chueco, an online platform connecting consumers of craft with independent makers.
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Two years ago I started supporting Aysen in the management and delivery of our corporate creative partnerships for the Crafts Council and here we are today.
Louise Kelly
Creative Partnerships Consultant
Louise is a marketing and communications expert with over 20 years experience, specialising in brand strategy, multi-channel campaigns, and impactful storytelling to engage audiences and deliver measurable results for non-profit and creative sectors.
I’ve been working in the Arts for over 8 years now and have founded three companies. A live music events company organising world tours for Latin American artists, an immersive live music events company and my latest business, which is my lockdown baby called Chueco, an online platform connecting consumers of craft with independent makers.
​
Two years ago I started supporting Aysen in the management and delivery of our corporate creative partnerships for the Crafts Council and here we are today.
Arielle Chee-Davies
Senior Creative Partnerships Consultant
Arielle has a decade of experience leading PR and partnerships in luxury fashion, working with brands such as CHANEL and Louis Vuitton.
I’ve been working in the Arts for over 8 years now and have founded three companies. A live music events company organising world tours for Latin American artists, an immersive live music events company and my latest business, which is my lockdown baby called Chueco, an online platform connecting consumers of craft with independent makers.
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Two years ago I started supporting Aysen in the management and delivery of our corporate creative partnerships for the Crafts Council and here we are today.
Samantha Giles
Operations Officer
Drawing on a strong background in system process analysis from her time at a major retail company, Sam has been a key contributor to a not-for-profit's core operations since 2022. She brings a methodical approach to her role, which includes managing all website updates and relationships with the external IT team, coordinating Zoom events, and overseeing database management and generating insightful reports. Her focus is on streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency.
Outside of her professional roles, Sam channels her passion for the creative arts into her own fine jewellery business, Elande Jewellery.