is a multidisciplinary storyteller, creative strategist and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of arts, cultural change and social justice, from a marine biology research background. He focuses on creating dignified spaces for everyone's presence and amplifying historically marginalised voices. He is currently based in London and mainly collaborates with Ghost Chan as Ghost and John. He is the lead strategist of Hidden Keileon CIC, a cultural enterprise working with migrant and queer people to imagine futures with freedom and justice for all by dreaming and leading multidisciplinary and life-affirming projects.

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As a queer migrant from Hong Kong, John’s works focus on the intricacies of the body and nature, social movement and the folklore accompanying history. The recognition for his works include:

• ‘Two Plant Gaysians’ (2024) shortlisted for the Charlie Hartill Fund,

• ‘Bitter Moves Sweet Truths’(2023) shortlisted for the Untapped Award,

• 'Paradoxical Gasps’ (2022) funded by Arts Council England,

• ‘Radio Neighbourhood’ (2021) awarded the Ideas and Pioneers Fund by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and more.

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As a creative strategist, John has been involved in multiple social imagination projects and building infrastructures for resilient futures through exploring embodied ecology, stewardship and abolitionist organising.  Currently working as a Lecturer (Unit Leader) at The Place London, John was:

• on Civic Square and Centric Lab's Ecological Health In Neighbourhoods Learning Journey (2023),

• Greater London Authority’s Civic Futures fellow (2022),

• Moving Margins researcher with Internationales Theaterinstitut Berlin (2022) and more.

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He led the Arts, Communities and Social Impact Peer-to-peer Exchange Programme (2024) with his colleagues at Hidden Keileon CIC, working with over 60 social change makers to build kinships and a wisdom-sharing network.

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John is a versatile maker across theatres, films, galleries and odd spaces. Productions he contributed his skills as director, writer, performer, and designer have been seen internationally, including Hellerau Dresden, TD Berlin, CCA Goldsmiths, Rich Mix, Pleasance London, Omnibus Theatre, Goethe-Institut Hongkong and more. He is an actor represented by Hancock Agency.

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John was first trained as a biologist (BSc Biological Science, HKUST) and has received an MA (Distinction) in Contemporary Dance, The Place. He was an ImPulsTanz ATLAS Young Choreographer (2019) and was trained under Siu Wan from SHOW DANCE in Hong Kong.

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Instagram: francisjohncyc

LinkedIn: John Chan

Spotlight: https://app.spotlight.com/9810-1278-4293

 

CV available on request. Please contact him through john@ghostandjohn.art.