Josh McNorton

I'm a Canadian-British creative producer, curator and writer based in East London, UK.

Josh McNorton

Hey, I’m Josh. I was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada in 1983. I emigrated to the UK in January 2012, and I’ve lived in the east end of London ever since.

Since I was a kid, I loved creating live experiences. I put on my first gig at age 14 at a local community hall for my band and my friends' bands. I wrote and directed plays in high school. Now, I produce and curate cultural events for thousands of people to enjoy. What has consistently motivated me is the process of collaborating -- working with talented people to create something amazing that hasn’t existed before.

I studied Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver from 2002 to 2006. For most of my twenties, music was my focus; playing in bands, touring internationally, and working in the industry. I got a big break in 2009 when I was hired to work on the Opening, Closing, and Victory Ceremonies for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Whilst it was exciting to work in close proximity to Canadian music and comedy legends, I was more captivated by the behind-the-curtain view of how large-scale events are produced. From that point onwards, I knew I wanted to do what the producers and creative directors did.

Less than two years later, I moved to London to work on the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Lots has happened since then, and I've stayed in the UK. London is my home.

I got to meet Prince Charles at an event in London in May 2014.

I became a British citizen in early 2021.

Photo of men in suits, including Josh McNorton and Princes Charles
Photo of men in suits, including Josh McNorton and Princes Charles
Photo of men in suits, including Josh McNorton and Princes Charles

I’m proud of my collaborations with UK cultural institutions and venues. Some of my favourite projects have been with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, King's College London, The Roundhouse, The Barbican Centre, and dozens more.

Photo of George Clinton, Pat Kane and Josh McNorton
Photo of George Clinton, Pat Kane and Josh McNorton
Photo of George Clinton, Pat Kane and Josh McNorton

I’m not one to name-drop but some of the coolest people I’ve worked with thus far have been: polymath Brian Eno, writer and broadcaster Jon Ronson, whistleblower Edward Snowden, fashion icon Vivienne Westwood, and funk music legend George Clinton (pictured left).

In some cases, I came up with new ideas for these brilliant people to present to an audience, other times I simply hired them to do what they do best.

These days, I spend my time as a creative producer, curator and writer. I write creative non-fiction, often about or incorporating music. On 25 November 2023, I spoke about a song that changed my life at the OneTrackMinds event at Wilton's Music Hall, close to where I live in East London.

Photo of 5 speakers for OneTrackMinds event on 25 November 2023

In addition to working in the arts, I volunteer as the Chair of BitterSuite Experiences CIO and as a Trustee of sound-art charity Modus Arts CIC.

I spend most evenings at live performances and art exhibitions. My hobbies include travel, yoga, tennis, reading all types of books, and taking courses. I’m obsessed with improving my skills and learning new things.

Phew, thanks for reading to the end. If you want to connect with me, go here.