Meet the Directors: The Force Behind FUZE 2022
BY LILY ROBERTS
FUZE has been thriving for almost 20 years, and every year with a new set of talented and passionate individuals working together towards a shared vision. This year, the FUZE team is bigger than ever; we have 20 directors managing teams that are dedicated to maintaining FUZE’s core values while working towards incredible events throughout the year, ultimately with the goal of raising money for charity.
It’s time to meet the masterminds behind FUZE 2022 who work around the clock to make the organisation what it is today. I was lucky enough to interview this year’s directors and pick their brains on their roles and what their plans are for this year and the future.
HEADS OF FUZE
MEET PIPPA ADAMTHWAITE-COOK - Managing Director
What does FUZE mean to you?
FUZE has been a lifeline for me over my time at university and transitioning out into the world of graduate employment. The community that FUZE has built is wonderful and has allowed me to feel part of something truly amazing. I’ve never been part of something which has allowed me to meet so many like-minded people, all with the shared passion of supporting charity.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
That it doesn't matter what people think of you, true friends will love you no matter what. A lot of people will try to drag you down, but you gotta rise above and most importantly, don’t let them win. In a nutshell - Illegitimi Non Carborundum - ‘Don’t let the bastards grind you down.’
What drew you to this role as director and what do you like most about it?
I started off as Marketing Director and quickly began to fall in love with the community and people around me. I loved getting to know every department due to my role in marketing. I was able to see how the organisation operated day to day and wanted to make sure that this community continued to grow to where I knew it had the potential of going. When I took over the organisation, I grounded it in core values and the inclusive community the team have built has made every second worth it.
Pippa Adamthwaite-Cook by Shifting Culture
MEET SOPHIE CHERRY - Brand Director
How did you begin your FUZE journey and where are you hoping it will take you?
I started back in 2020 as a videographer and graphic designer for FUZE but I ran the social channels as well. Fast forward to today I’m Brand Director responsible for the artistic vision of the brand and focused on UK expansion. I am really hoping the work I’ve done within FUZE over the last few years will help me launch a career within the creative industry.
What does FUZE mean to you?
FUZE is love FUZE is life - but in all seriousness FUZE is my life. I kind of feel like it’s my baby with the time I’ve spent crafting its visual identity and rebranding the organisation. FUZE’s community to me is also what makes it so great, through FUZE I've made some of my closest friends. I am so proud where we’ve got FUZE to and that we are able to provide so many opportunities for young creatives.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Trust your creative vision and talent - the first graphic design job I did I agreed to when I was drunk. When I sobered up I was like shit I don't know how to do this and I was ready to tell them I couldn’t do it anymore. That one poster paved the way for so many other creative projects I wouldn’t be here without it.
CREATIVE TEAM
MEET STYLI OMIROU - Creative Director
What drew you to this role as director and what do you like most about it?
Where do I start? FUZE is without a doubt the most inclusive and diverse platform that anyone has offered to any artist in Bristol, It is truly amazing how passionate each member of FUZE is towards this cause. From the blog writers to the creative team, FUZE raised awareness for numerous topics concerning our community, fact that many organisations struggle to do. It just makes me so proud living in Bristol and seeing organisations like FUZE recognising and addressing these issues and raising awareness for everyone. As a dance director last year, I was truly overwhelmed with how through our artistic vision and choreography have helped both our cast as well as the audience to love and celebrate who they are. Being this year’s Creative Director allows me to widen my creativity by overseeing all 3 departments and together design a show that represents everyone on stage.
What are you most excited about this year?
As this year’s Creative Director, I’m beyond excited to be responsible for producing the show. The past few months me and the creative team have been working extremely hard to choose this year’s theme and design a show experience that any individual can relate to and enjoy. We can’t wait to release our show theme and give everyone a taste of what FUZE has in store this year - stay tuned!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
When you think about…If you were to give advice to your younger self, you’d like to offer all the right information. You would want to be able to tell them step by step what you had to do so you can live and keep living this amazing life you’re living now. That being said, I go living my day-to-day life, enjoying every part of it, every aspect, every mistake. Because that’s a part of the journey and that will get me to where I want to be and make a stronger person than I am now so my advice would simply be “ Live your life, don’t let anything hold you back”.
MEET LEBO MONTSHIWA - Assistant Creative Director (Music)
What are you most excited about this year?
I’m super excited to do more in-person stuff. The whole organisation is about creativity and doing it all online last year was lovely but I know the in-person aspect will make it incredible.
Why did you join FUZE?
I joined FUZE because I saw the music auditions on a friend’s Instagram story and thought it would be a good time. I was right. It was an incredible time.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Learn more instruments, learn more languages and don’t be boring.
Lebo Montshiwa by Alice Sutton
MEET LILLIAN WADDINGTON - Assistant Creative Director (Fashion)
What are you most excited about this year?
I am most excited about seeing all the models in the fabulous local designer clothes strutting down the catwalk doing their thing! FUZE is about celebrating diversity and increasing confidence, so when I see the models being applauded and confidently walking down the catwalk like Beyoncé it makes my heart smile.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would say love yourself! For so many years I did not, and not until I was 19 that I really started to try. Women are usually berated for not looking a certain way and being a mixed-race queer woman - I did not fit in. This used to get me down A LOT and I would feel so isolated. FUZE helps you to love yourself more when you are getting down that catwalk in clothing that makes you look your best.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, the artistic director of a thriving theatre company! I really like drama and theatre, so I want to follow this passion as far as it will take me. Being an assistant creative director on FUZE means I am learning so much on how to manage people, meet creative deadlines, and work within a large organisation with a shared goal. I am learning so quickly and I am so grateful for the knowledge, understanding, and experience FUZE has given me.
MEET NELL COX - Fashion Director
How did your FUZE journey begin and where are you hoping it will take you?
My FUZE journey began in 2020 as a model for the Utopia show. I knew from that first modelling workshop that FUZE is such a special community to be part of, and I only wanted to know more. Fast forward to the show, I was completely obsessed with FUZE and thought there was no way that this was the end of my journey. I knew I wanted to apply for a role on the team for my last year at university. It was only when I looked at all the roles on the team that I thought that being the Fashion Director could be amazing. I have always adored fashion, and styling outfits together so why not do it for over 100 outfits on a catwalk?!
What are you most excited about this year?
This year I am excited to build relationships with some incredibly talented local and country-wide designers and get to know the wonderful fashion cast. The cast reflects all the beautiful individuals in Bristol and this year's show will certainly be one you won’t want to miss. We have some fantastic garments already being made for the show and I have no doubt the cast will look incredible in such unique pieces!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would always say, always take opportunities as they come to you. You never want to end a year thinking what if? Enjoy your time, and do things that make you happy.
MEET MUNIO KHN - Dance Director
What drew you to this role as director and what do you like most about it?
As part of FUZE last year as a dancer and choreographer, I wanted to push my artistic journey while being part of this big family that brings a smile every day. FUZE has really built an amazing and strong picture of what artistic collaboration means.
What has being part of the FUZE family done for you?
Being part of the FUZE family has allowed me to meet people from so many different backgrounds which has really helped my integration into the UK. It also gave me the opportunity to choreograph and oversee dances for the end of year show.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
No matter how far you wanna go, just start something and be aware that most of the job is about the mindset.
Munio Khn by Tristan Brook
MEET GUY RIPPER - Music Director
What drew you to the role of director and what do you like most about it?
FUZE was the most fun I had in my three years of university, with show week being a highlight for me. The people, the music, the fashion and the vibe all fused into something really unique and special. FUZE’s development from student-led
community into a nation-wide organisation is incredibly impressive, and the core values we promote are vital in making the creative industry a more inclusive and diverse environment. There was no way I wasn’t going to try and be a part of it in 2022 in a director’s role where I could contribute to this journey. My favourite element of my role as Music Director role is seeking, fostering and promoting astonishing talent. Our roster this year is so strong, and I can’t wait for our audience to indulge and see how far we have come in such a small amount of time.
What has being a part of the FUZE family done for you?
FUZE provides unparalleled exposure to the creative industry. From brokering commercial deals, scouting artists, throwing events and providing professional performance and networking opportunities, being a part of the FUZE family has been a considerable attribute to my professional life. Most importantly however, being a member of the FUZE family has done unbelievable good for my mental well-being. FUZE is a friendly and welcoming community which provides a safe space and creative outlet for anybody who wants to be involved.
What do you hope to achieve while you’re a FUZE director?
FUZE is only going to get bigger and better, as we’ve seen in its progression so far. With the decline of COVID we hope to launch more events, promoting our musical talent to greater levels, not just in Bristol, but across the county. Additionally, we hope to start a development scheme for budding musical artists, garnering their talent ready for the limelight.
MEET POPPY WHITTAKER - Music Performance Director
Why did you join FUZE?
I came to see the 2019 show and I left with an overwhelming sense of creative excitement and joy. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something that has the capacity to make such a positive personal and social impact? FUZE’s values are incredibly important and I was very keen to learn and grow as part of such a progressive, exciting team!
How did your FUZE journey begin and where are you hoping it will take you?
Last year I was FUZE’s Assistant Music Director, alongside Ed Rowe’s wonderful direction. Getting a flavour for what the music team has in store was so captivating. I learnt so much last year, from how to manage a creative team to teching and directing live studio sessions. The opportunities were endless and I was inspired to re-apply for a directorial role this year. In the future, I hope to combine my love for music with my passion for psychology and explore the role of music and performance on mental health in young individuals. Being a part of FUZE has already led me to deduce that music and creativity is essential for the maintenance of positive mental health and self expression.
What do you hope to achieve while you’re a FUZE director, both for your department and the organisation as a whole?
We would love to be able to continue to create performance opportunities for musicians across Bristol, London and Manchester, create a rich network of past and present FUZE musicians who can share and collaborate with each other and projects, and continue to give a platform for up and coming artists to develop their brand and identity in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
