A Word From Eilís…
“The Master’s Tools will never dismantle the Master’s House “ Audre Lorde
Dear friends,
This month at Diverse City, we’re reflecting on what it means to lead—and how sharing leadership sparks fresh thinking, deeper care, and stronger teams. While our Joint Artistic Director Claire was on tour in Mid Life, I stepped into her strategic, operations, decision-making, and artistic work. This was the first time Diverse City has released one of our two artistic directors for a creative project, and asked someone else to take on their leadership responsibilities.
This has been a pivotal opportunity for me. I’ve stepped into someone’s Joint Artistic Director role, learned their day-to-day work, made small changes, and led with my heart. I’ve been thinking about allied leadership like a relay: when the baton is passed, it takes a new shape—moulded with a bit of me, a bit of Claire, and whoever carries it next.
By sharing leadership and taking it in turns, we can carry the full weight of something. We can support each other and take time to understand the big picture.
Read a full reflection from Claire and me here.
Eilís Davis
Artistic Director, Diverse City
Uplift Aerial
Celebrating a Joyful End to Term & Looking Ahead
Before the Spring break, we marked the end of term at Uplift Arial – the partnership between Extraordinary Bodies and Gems Circus Arts School, Dorset. It was an evening full of laughter, movement, and celebration. The young aerialists took part in seasonally themed games (yes — including our very own circus-style Hungry Hippos!), followed by well-earned awards to celebrate their progress this term.
Uplift Aerial is more than just a class — it’s a space where young adults who face barriers can get into the world of circus. Through weekly aerial training, creative support, and lots of encouragement, we’re helping to build confidence, strength, and joy.
The team is looking forward to a vibrant and focused Summer term. They are working towards a performance in a brand-new venue. We can’t wait! Huge thanks to the Uplift Aerial team and everyone who makes this programme possible, including the Talbot Village Trust.
Find out more about these classes or join the group here.
Open Letter to the EHRC from the Culture Sector
More than 1600 leaders from the UK’s Culture Sector have proudly added their names to an open letter addressed to John Kirkpatrick, CEO of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), expressing concern over the Commission’s interim update following the Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman.
The letter has been sent but remains open for further signatories. The updated list will be forwarded to the EHRC, and your support can help amplify this critical message. If you would like to read and add your name to the letter, you can do so following the link here.
We stand in solidarity with Trans, Nonbinary, and Intersex communities — and remain committed to inclusive, accessible spaces for all.
Producing with Purpose
A thank you to Laura Dickens, Producer of Mid Life
As we look back on the incredible journey of Mid Life, we want to say a huge thank you to Laura Dickens. Laura has been at the heart of this show, from planning to performance.
She joined the Mid Life team in October 2023, bringing her passion for female-led theatre and inclusive practice to every part of the tour. Over the past 18 months, she has guided this ambitious, joyful, and deeply moving show across the UK.
Laura finished her role as Producer last week and shared her thoughts:
“Seeing five midlife women on stage is unique (it should not be). And what a powerful five they are… Making accessible work has been a challenging joy! And something I will advocate for in all my work from now on.”
Thank you, Laura, for your care, creativity, and leadership — Mid Life wouldn’t have been the same without you.
Read Laura’s full reflection on the Mid Life tour.
Exploring Collaboration Models in Arts & Culture
Webinar Recording Now Available
Collaboration is often seen as key to the future of the arts — but what does meaningful, practical collaboration actually look like?
Earlier this year, Diverse City’s Executive Director Becky Chapman joined a panel of sector leaders for Exploring Collaboration Models in Arts & Culture, a webinar hosted by Figurative. The session offers a valuable deep dive into everything from informal partnerships to full mergers, and how organisations can navigate this spectrum to share resources, power, and purpose.
Watch the full recording on Exploring Collaboration Models in Arts & Culture.
View from the Soapbox
A New Series from Diverse City
We’re proud to launch View From The Soapbox — sharing personal reflections from the Diverse City team.
Expect honest, thoughtful, and sometimes provocative perspectives from the people working behind the scenes to drive inclusion and change in the arts.
Our first piece comes from Caro Boss, who shares her journey to Diverse City in Theatre with a Conscience: My Path to Diverse City. It’s a reflection on childhood dreams, the power of theatre to spark change, and what it means to find your place in a purpose-driven organisation. Read Caro’s View from the Soapbox here.
Bold Commissions, Honest Conversations
Reflections from the UK–Kenya Season of Culture Launch
Diverse City’s Senior Producer Alice Chutter recently attended the launch of the UK–Kenya Season of Culture 2025 in Nairobi, representing the partnership between Extraordinary Bodies and Pamoja Dance Group Kenya.
Alice’s shares strong reflections on the British Council’s acknowledgment of colonial history, the boldness of the commissioned work, and the hope for greater visibility of d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists throughout the season.
It’s an insightful piece – read the full reflection on LinkedIn.
