Studio | Paul Liptrot

These strands are held together by a person‑centred approach. I believe strongly that art and creativity help people understand who they are, what they love, and how they make meaning in the world.

My journey has taken me through engineering, geography, environmental science, fine art, and most recently creative writing for wellbeing. I’ve worked within environmental organisations, educational advocacy, and the museum sector, each offering different ways of understanding people and place. This interdisciplinary grounding means I approach ideas and challenges concept‑first, before turning to the specific skills or methods needed to explore them.

Interdisciplinary Approaches

I’m a strong advocate for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) and for the role of the arts across every specialism. For me, STEAM isn’t a collection of separate subjects, but an approach grounded in the essential skills we need to navigate modern life.

One of my favourite examples is the way many of the world’s bridges are both functional and beautiful. Engineers approach the challenge of crossing a river not only in response to a practical need, but with an awareness of how the structure will be experienced and viewed.

While at Derby Museums, I was one of the key drivers behind the Institute of STEAM, which became a benchmark for creative community engagement. This shaped our approach to new projects and ensured they empowered people to achieve their goals.