Ruth Ben-Tovim has worked as a professional artist and consultant for over 20 years, using the transformative power of the arts to engage creatively with thousands of people across the arts, public, private, education, and voluntary sectors.

She was the founder and Artistic Director of Louder than Words Productions in London (1989–1999), where she collaborated closely with the Young Vic Theatre, Soho Theatre, and BAC to create award-winning, multimedia theatre performances that toured nationally. Ruth specialises in participatory practice, devising, delivering, and managing site-specific community arts projects and large-scale programmes throughout the UK.

In 2004, she co-founded Encounters, a participatory arts initiative now based in Dartington, Devon. As its Creative Director, she designs bespoke projects that inspire creativity, dialogue, and exchange among people of all ages and backgrounds. These projects enable participants to shape new narratives for their lives and communities — stories that are then shared through exhibitions, performances, publications, and public art events.

Alongside her work with Encounters, Ruth continues to work as a freelance artist, lecturer, and dramaturg.