Lesley Taker
Curator, writer, and creative producer specialising in digital art and technology. Liverpool, UK.
Curator, writer, and creative producer specialising in digital art and technology. Liverpool, UK.
About
I'm a freelance curator, writer, and creative producer with over 15 years of experience across visual and digital art. I work with artists and organisations to create ambitious, welcoming exhibitions and programmes — from large-scale installations and moving image to sound art, immersive experiences, and artworks that intersect with XR and gaming.
I spent over a decade at FACT Liverpool, most recently designing and launching Studio/Lab — an artist-focused production space for digital creatives, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Before that, I curated and produced exhibitions with artists including Agnes Varda, Wu Tsang, Ryoichi Kurokawa, and Shona Illingworth.
I'm passionate about how technology reshapes contemporary art — particularly around fluid identities, shifting truths, and unstable narratives. I'm committed to creating space for underserved voices, with a focus on inclusivity, access, and transparency.
Working with
Previously at
Selected Work
Designed, funded, and launched a brand new artist-focused production space for digital creatives. Secured investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Foyle Foundation. Built a membership community of over 50 artists with co-working, equipment, and development programmes.
Curated an exhibition exploring the intersection of gaming, roleplay, and contemporary art. Part of the broader States of Play programme, examining how play and simulation shape our understanding of reality.
Revived and reimagined the artist residency programme, creating a pipeline from residency to exhibition. Focused on building longer-term production relationships with artists including Rae-Yen Song and Uma Breakdown.
A lab-focused curatorial project examining how design and technology shape human desire, behaviour, and intimacy — bringing together artists working across installation, digital media, and research.
Supporting neurodivergent artists to access funding and produce work. Successfully supported multiple DYCP applications for Arts Council England, and providing ongoing mentoring for artists working in digital art, new media, and games.
Produced and curated ambitious solo exhibitions with internationally recognised artists — including Agnes Varda's first-ever gallery exhibition, and major new commissions with Wu Tsang, Ryoichi Kurokawa, and Shona Illingworth.
Career
Writing & Publications
Education
MA Contemporary Fiction & Visual Arts
University of Liverpool, 2010–2011
BA English Language & Literature
University of Liverpool, 2008–2010