Past Present Possible was created from a shared belief that arts, culture and heritage can strengthen communities and create meaningful social connection.
Our story
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when opportunities for cultural engagement became limited, we reflected on the important role creative experiences play in shaping identity, belonging and collective memory. Those conversations led to a vision for projects that help communities explore their local histories, celebrate their heritage and build positive futures through creativity and collaboration.
Meet our team
Dr Emma Sheppard
Emma has over 25 years’ experience working across education, theatre, arts, culture and heritage as a lecturer, director, performer, designer, practitioner and event manager.
She has led and contributed to community festivals, heritage projects, theatre productions and large-scale cultural events, combining creative direction with community engagement and project management.
Emma holds a PhD from the University of Warwick in partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, where her thesis explored the work of renowned director Michael Bogdanov through archive research and oral history interviews now held within the Bogdanov Collection at the Shakespeare Centre.
Harrison Fuller
Harrison has over 15 years' experience working across the arts, education and community sectors as a creative producer, business development manager, lecturer and theatre manager.
Working in the East Midlands and beyond, he develops and delivers creative and cultural projects in partnership with charities, local authorities and arts organisations, combining strategic development with community engagement and project management. His work includes securing grant funding, building partnerships and producing initiatives that widen access to the arts and create lasting social impact.
Drawing on a background in theatre alongside experience in organisational growth, Harrison brings together creative vision with practical delivery to develop sustainable, ambitious cultural programmes.