Julia Handelman-Smith (MMus, FRSA), is an independent advisor to cultural and education organisations, developing strategies and supporting research and evaluation with a particular focus on dialogue, participation and placemaking.
Julia has extensive experience in collaborative research and evaluation to inform and develop strategy and programmes at the interface of culture and communities. This includes drawing on international partnerships and experiences from her work with the British Council in Europe and the Middle East. From 2019-2022, she initiated and developed a strategy and programme to widen participation of young people in the UK in international programmes, which involved a global EDI strategy and evaluation plan and a Parliamentary Inquiry. She has led multiple research and evaluation programmes focusing on youth engagement and widening participation in creative learning, both in formal and non-formal education and in cultural settings.
Julia is Founder and Director of The UK-Global Alliance, a group of more than 80 organisations supporting international links for the UK, including devolved governments, local and regional councils, cultural and education institutions, business and civil society groups. She is a mentor for The Prince’s Trust and an Advisory Board member for the youth voice charity My Life My Say. She is Chair of New Note and a Trustee for Persona Arts, Birmingham.
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