Biography

Ayan Cilmi (b. 1992, Bristol) is a researcher, creative producer and artist who integrates her filmmaking and artistic pursuits with community engagement and societal exploration. Through her work, she explores themes of surveillance, plastic, climate collapse and displacement. Cilmi is currently contributing to various projects affiliated with Pervasive Media Studio and Spike Island in Bristol. Her artistic journey is rooted in institutional experiences, notably her tenure at Arnolfini in Bristol (2018–2020) where she managed the teams for the Still I Rise exhibition and the events programme. Previously, she was a Volunteer Researcher and Assistant at Ujima Radio (2013–2014), underscoring her commitment to community engagement, research, interviewing for and overall programming management.