Her work has had a big influence on the development of socially engaged arts in the region, as well as across Europe.
Early in her career, she became lighting designer and stage manager for Peter Sykes' Edinburgh fringe shows and joined his Ritual and Tribal Theatre.
International performances included events in Mostar, Bosnia (1995), continuing her work with refugees and migrant communities.
[4] She was a member of Welfare State International, Theatre of Fire and Emergency Exit Arts, working as a lantern maker, production and project manager.
[2] In 2021, Hilary Hughes died in Royal Stoke University Hospital after a short battle with COVID-19.