Emma works within an undisciplinary, expansive artistic and curatorial practice. Having studied Sociology at Queen’s University Belfast, Emma’s work assumes a top-down approach, exploring sociological and philosophical theories through conceptualisation, collaboration, material and object. Primarily concerned with the tensions between the individual and the broader socio-political forces that shape the idea of the self, Emma’s work, curatorially or artistic is inherently political.

Holding this ideological framework, Emma has gravitated towards researching and contributing to artist-led spaces, projects and learning outside of traditional systems. As a Co-Director of the artist-led, voluntary-run space Catalyst Arts, Emma has co-curated a variety of projects as part of a non-hierarchal board. With support from the Jonathan Ruffer curatorial grant, Emma is extending this line of research in Glasgow, where she will meet with other curators and artists involved with artist-led communities.

Through Catalyst Arts, Emma and two other directors are part of the hybrid artistic and curatorial exchange; Gluttt with French artist-led space Glassbox North (Paris) & Glassbox South (Montpellier). The Catalyst representatives have received funding from Fluxus Art Projects to visit France and host community meals and performances for each respective artist community. Centralised Planning, a hybrid solo project created with digital curatorial platform Screen Service, debuts in February 2025. To conclude her Catalyst Arts Co-Directorship, Emma will curate her first solo exhibition in October 2025, Non stick frying pan, working with artists Alex Keatinge and Niamh Hannaford, funded by Arts Council Northern Ireland. Emma was recently awarded the Backwater Artist Group Emerging Curator Award, 2026. Emma’s artistic work has been exhibited across Belfast in Belfast Exposed, Platform Arts, Arcade Studios, Belfast Photo Festival and Arts for All.