At Urban Curiosity, we believe that
creativity is a catalyst for change
Positive social change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people come together across disciplines, organisations and lived experiences to build relationships and explore new possibilities.
That’s why we work in two ways:
we help
communities
flourish
Through creative engagement and placemaking, we help people feel seen, heard and connected in the places they live and work.
We support the
changemakers
who make it happen
Through creative leadership development and strategic consultancy, we help leaders gain energy, resilience and confidence to drive real social impact.
Urban Curiosity is a creative health consultancy based in south-east London. It’s led by Clare Barry, with support from a trusted network of collaborators and facilitators.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower changemakers to harness creativity as a force for social good ensuring that both people and places flourish.
How we help
We take a people-first approach with our highly practical and uplifting projects. Whether you’re looking to engage your community, build ethical partnerships, secure funding or lead with clarity, we’re can help.
Community Engagement
& Placemaking
Designing inclusive events that nurture belonging and encourage storytelling, nature connection and creative wellbeing.
leadership
development
Supporting leaders and organisers to challenge assumptions, take risks and work in more regenerative and creative ways.
Fundraising
& Income
GENERATION
Helping you to develop ethical and sustainable funding models.
Build
Meaningful Partnerships
Connecting you with the right people, sectors and collaborators to expand your impact.
Our Ethos & Philosophy
We believe that the way we work is just as important as the work itself. Slowing down, listening deeply and making space for reflection are all essential for creating meaningful and lasting change.
We champion curiosity as a powerful force for transformation. Because curiosity shifts perspectives. It reveals new possibilities, unlocks fresh approaches and helps us make sense of complexity.
fresh
perspectives
Encouraging deep thinking and fresh perspectives through conversation, walking and creative exploration.
building
bridges
Building bridges across sectors, disciplines and communities because the best ideas don’t come from working in silos.
sustaining
change
Encouraging the changemakers as well as the change. This means ensuring that the people doing the work feel supported, focused and energised.
reimagining
leadership
Reimagining leadership as an act of listening, collaboration and care, rather than urgency and overwork.
Meet clare Barry
Clare Barry is a writer, partnerships strategist and creative facilitator with over 20 years’ experience at the intersection of creative health, community engagement and social impact.
Clare creates space for changemakers and communities to reconnect with creativity and purpose through retreats, walkshops and participatory arts workshops. These are designed to encourage fresh thinking, shared experiences and meaningful dialogue.
Through her consultancy, Clare supports VCSE leaders to develop long-term income strategies, build equitable partnerships and communicate their value with clarity. She has raised millions in philanthropic and corporate funding and held senior roles including Head of Partnerships, Entrepreneurship & Social Change at the LSE and Entrepreneurship Manager at London Business School. She has also led corporate partnerships at East End Community Foundation and collaborated with grassroots groups across south-east London.
Clare writes about curiosity, creative wellbeing, nature connection
and community-based change. Her work has been featured in Stylist, Women’s Health, Psychologies, Balance and Vanity Fair. She believes creativity is a catalyst for change. And that sustainable leadership starts with space to think differently.
Want to make a positive change in your community? Let’s talk!