Bio

James DiBiase is an award-winning freelance artist based in Sussex, England, celebrated for his distinctive and diverse visual storytelling. His artwork encompasses photography, painting, printmaking, collage, and sculpture. His painting commissions from LYT’s Walk the Chalk and Visit Lewes’s Hut Stories involved large-scale events that attracted thousands, showcasing his ability to engage the public and create meaningful artistic experiences. Additionally, his solo venture in sculpture was an installation at the LYT’s Tide Mills project, another community-led arts and heritage initiative that drew admiration from significant audiences.

James’s social documentary photography has been exhibited extensively, including at The Photographers’ Gallery in London and various galleries in Sussex. His work has earned him prestigious accolades, such as the Tom Buckeridge Prize for Photography, and recognition as Highly Commended in the 1996 Hodge Award. His photography has been featured in respected publications like Foto8, Coast, and Sussex Life, solidifying his reputation in the field.

As a dedicated educator at East Sussex College, James has pioneered an ‘event-led curriculum’ in the full-time Art & Design course. This innovative approach has led to remarkable student success, particularly in the prestigious Royal Opera House Design Challenge. Under his guidance, students have consistently secured wins across all five categories of the challenge, a testament to his effective mentorship in a highly competitive environment. Collaborating with LYT Productions, Visit Lewes, and Towner Eastbourne, where he worked alongside contemporary artist David Blandy, James, along with his students, produced artworks that invigorated his teaching through immersive and collaborative projects. A partnership with Charleston resulted in student sculptures and artworks being showcased on national television, further elevating the profile of his students’ talents.

James has also served as a Principal Moderator for Edexcel in Art & Design for eight years, where he was instrumental in setting the national standard, training External Moderators, and writing the external assignment. With a BA Hons in Graphic Design from Brighton Polytechnic and years of professional experience, he has contributed to East Sussex College by designing posters that promote Fundamental British Values and Independent Learning. These posters have been prominently displayed across many secondary schools in the county, significantly enhancing students’ understanding of these values. James places great importance on seeking out collaborative projects that are both challenging and invigorating, enhancing his artistic practice and fostering creativity in those around him. He is available for commissions, offering vibrant creativity, heartfelt passion, and relentless enthusiasm tailored to any brief.