John synthesises and summarises relevant research and helps make it as accessible as possible to the cultural sector. His current focus is an extensive review of research and practice relating everyday creativity and participation.

John completed his PhD in 2020 which examined artist-led collectives through the lens of friendship to better understand the values art and locality.

John is co-founder of artist-led collective The Retro Bar at the End of the Universe and has a curatorial background in both museums, galleries and in artist-led activity. His research interests include collectivism in art, the role of place in shaping artist-led activity and the intersections between cultural policy and visual arts ecologies.