Our Founders
WHY ROOTED IN BARNET WAS CREATED
Rooted in Barnet was created by three creatives who met through shared work, weekly conversations, and a love for the borough. After meeting countless artists, organisers, and community-makers, we realised Barnet needed a shared cultural home a place to connect, celebrate, and support local creativity. Rooted in Barnet grew from that belief, shaped by the people who live and create here.
Ian Tait
Co-Founder
Founder of Big Beat Playground
Ian, born, raised, and currently living in London with his quirky little family and their furry and feather pets…
He is the founder of Big Beat Playground –
a local family friendly, community focussed festival - and joint founder of Rooted in Barnet.
Passionate about music, concerts, events and festivals, Ian wanted to make the festival experience available to everyone
especially those families who are unable to access a festival.
This is when Big Beat Playground was born.
On Big Beat Playground - Ian says “the festival experience is one of joy, excitement, imagination and fun. A place where your senses can awaken and thrive. It this experience that we want as many people as possible to get a taste of at Big Beat Playground!!”
Over the years Ian met many local people who are producing and creating many wonderful things, from local shows and workshops to performances and exhibitions, yet many go unnoticed local families are unaware of their existence.
This is when Rooted in Barnet was born.
On Rooted in Barnet Ian says “The Borough of Barnet is a hub of creativity, yet it is so sad, so few people know this. The Rooted in Barnet platform wants to raise a voice for local creatives, not only in connecting like-minded people, but more importantly, telling the residents what they are doing…. Shining a light on their performances, shows and exhibitions, so that everyone can enjoy the local wonders that go on around us!!”
Elisa Cantarelli
Co-Founder
Visual artist
Elisa is an Italian-born multidisciplinary visual artist dedicated to expanding creative boundaries and promoting sustainability through art.
Known for her mindful Dotting technique, she transforms everyday objects into meditative visual experiences.
Her ongoing We aRe Plastic vision explores recycling, upcycling, and our shared responsibility to the planet.
Elisa works with companies, charities, galleries, and communities to create artworks rooted in sustainability, identity, and connection.
Her projects include installations for the 59th Venice Biennale, Parma Capital of Culture 2020+21, and public art and workshops across London, such as permanent community artworks at Brent Cross West station and the Artsdepot foyer.
Since 2025, she has also developed an evolving annual installation with Barnet’s Big Beat Playground Community Festival.
A graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, Elisa has exhibited internationally across Italy, the UK, Japan, and beyond.
She believes art is a catalyst for positive change and continues to explore creative ways to inspire connection and a more sustainable future.
Let’s connect and create art that makes a difference.
Claudia Massera
Co-Founder
Claudia Massera is an artist, dancer, and creative director working at the intersection of movement, storytelling, and community.
For over 15 years, she has led DanceBodyMind®, building one of London’s leading dance communities, with students performing across major UK stages and featured on the BBC and ITV.
She has trained over 150 certified teachers worldwide and developed accredited training programmes, creating a global network of women reconnecting with their bodies and creative voice through movement.
As the founder of the Radiant Girl Project CIC, Claudia creates powerful experiences that blend dance, voice, and storytelling to support connection, expression, and wellbeing.
After moving to Barnet, she discovered a rich and diverse creative community full of talent, stories, and energy yet often hidden or disconnected.
Rooted in Barnet was born from a desire to bring that creativity into the light, connecting artists, communities, and audiences through a shared cultural platform.
Her work is driven by one simple belief:
"when people come together through creativity, something powerful happens"