Claire Mooney
Our 6th Wonder Woman Of The Day, Claire Mooney, has been nominated by Rachel.
Rachel says...
"I first met Claire when I programmed her for a festival I was producing called Lost & Found. Lost & Found was a pop up arts festival which took place in surprising locations across the city. We programmed opera in Albert Square, Dance in Piccadilly Gardens and a host of performers on Metrolink Trams, including Claire. We weren't sure how the performances would be received by unsuspecting members of the public, but we needn't have worried with Claire on hand. Two tram stops into the journey and Claire had everyone from teenage boys to senior citizens and even Metrolink staff writing and singing a song together. Claire's talents as a musician and song writer are apparent, however it is her ability, willingness and drive to connect with people that is truly remarkable.
Since Lost & Found our paths have crossed many times, at LGBTQ+ fundraisers, young women's arts projects, community awards ceremonies and today, at Manchester City Council's International Women's Day conference, which she hosted.
All of these occasions have one thing in common, they are deeply rooted in community. Claire is one of the most community minded people I have met, investing a great deal of time, energy, passion and heart into bringing people together.
Claire is not only a songwriter but has over 20 years experience running poetry, song writing, recording, audio/radio and training workshops in the community. Claire works with some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach communities across the country through projects with the Prison Service, the National Health Service, local authorities and Youth Services.
Claire Mooney inspires me to ensure that I am always making work which is relevant and useful within our communities and to continue to use the arts as a method for community cohesion and social change.
Claire Mooney= All round good egg."
