Flis Pitman

Flis Pitman joined the Ignite Civic Leadership Programme to strengthen her role as a local connector and deepen her involvement in arts and culture across Southampton. Through the programme her confidence has grown and alongside she has contributed to a range of collaborative projects as a connector, including the Tapestry Festival, co-creation events, and City Reflections, helping to bring communities together through creative engagement and shared storytelling.

Flis Pitman joined the Ignite Civic Leadership Programme to strengthen her role as a local connector and deepen her involvement in arts and culture across Southampton. Through the programme her confidence has grown and alongside she has contributed to a range of collaborative projects as a connector, including the Tapestry Festival, co-creation events, and City Reflections, helping to bring communities together through creative engagement and shared storytelling.

Flis describes the experience being a connector as energising and transformative: “Thanks as ever for the opportunities! They keep me going in more ways than one.” Ignite has supported her in overcoming personal and professional challenges, building confidence, and identifying clear next steps in her arts and culture career. She particularly values the peer learning environment and practical leadership tools, noting, “I really enjoyed today and have already taken on so much from the experience.”

By nurturing her strengths as a civic leader and community connector, Ignite has enabled Flis to play a more active role in shaping inclusive cultural experiences in Southampton, demonstrating how targeted leadership support can empower individuals to create meaningful local impact. Since starting Ignite and working as a Local Connector Flis has secured a new Community Engagement Role.