Aidan is a researcher in the fields of social policy, creativity and performance. In 2022 he was awarded a Masters by Research from Edge Hill University and began a PhD in October 2022, investigating how local communities are developing strategies for transitioning to a society based on principles of social, racial and climate justice. He has a specific interest in Trauma Informed Practice.

Prior to the Pandemic, his work focussed on creative and collective music and performance making, taking inspiration from world wide cultural movements, and the history, identity and undocumented stories of particular communities and environments. He has worked with Collective Encounters since 2012 on projects relating to mental health (‘Other Ways Of Telling’), homelessness, and with veterans ('Out Of Service'). He has more than 30 years’ experience as an artist and an activist.