A Word From Jamie…
Hi All,
Welcome to our latest newsletter.
The weather is glorious, yet deadly and world events seem to get more worrying day-by-day.
Closer to home, the struggle for basic rights and justice has yet again come to the fore. Stories of delays and cuts to disability workplace support are in the news. The implications are frightening.
Sticking together and allyship has never been more important. We must all use our voices to speak up for what is right. Tom Ryalls at BAP, in collaboration with Access All Areas, has compiled a brilliant set of resources on Access to Work Reforms and the arts sector to help you shape your submission.
Read the briefing and get informed
The government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper sets out further proposed changes to benefits and employment support. Deadline to respond is 30 June. Submit your views here
So, of course, have a lovely summer AND do what you can to ensure equity for all.
Jamie Beddard
Joint Artistic Director
Have Your Say: Arts Council England Review – Open Call for Evidence
Arts Council England is under independent review—now’s your time to speak up about what the Arts Council means to you.Whether you’re a freelance artist, part of a community group, an audience regular, or work within the arts sector, your voice matters. Complete the survey now!
- You don’t need to fill in the survey in one hit: You can close the window and return via the same link—it’ll pick up where you left off.
- Deadline for responses midday on 30 June 2025.
Opening Doors: Harry Bassett on Creativity, Collaboration, and Finding His Identity with Diverse City
From a chance meeting at an airport to composing for circus, performing on national tours, and playing Glastonbury with Paraorchestra — Harry Bassett’s path has been anything but ordinary.
As a wheelchair user and disabled artist, Harry’s story is a powerful example of what happens when an artist is welcomed, supported, and trusted to thrive.
In our latest blog, Harry reflects on finding his voice, breaking barriers, and how Diverse City’s inclusive approach helped shape the artist — and advocate — he is today.
A Big Thank You to The Skinners’ School
A massive shoutout to the brilliant charity fundraising students and staff at The Skinners’ School. They raised over £80 for Diverse City from their Cultural Appreciation Day!
Every pound is vital to our work—championing inclusive and accessible arts experiences—and we’re so grateful.
I’m Georgie, Development Manager at Diverse City, and I wanted to say a huge personal thank you. It means a lot to see young people getting involved and standing up for creativity and inclusion.
Feeling inspired?
If you or your school, college, or workplace are raising money to donate to Diverse City, I’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s through a fundraising event, performance, or creative idea—get in touch and let’s make it happen.
Drop me a line at georgie@diversecity.org.uk or give me a call, 0784 344 7905.
Inclusion in Action: Claire’s Week of Changemaking
Our Joint Artistic Director, Claire Hodgson, recently shared highlights from a week immersed in creativity, community, and conversations about inclusion and change.
The week began with the launch of Weymouth & Portland’s Town of Culture, beautifully opened by the team at b-side at the newly restored High Angle Battery. Claire reflected on the power of seeing this historic site transformed—and made accessible for the first time. Diverse City is proud to have supported b-side’s commitment to access over the years. We celebrate their continued leadership.
Claire then joined the Changemakers event hosted by The Arts Development Company, exploring the next phase of Doing Things Differently—a bold, county-wide call for 100 organisations to each take one tangible step toward greater inclusion. She shared thoughts on the deep interconnection between inclusion and climate justice.
“Watch this space,” says Claire, “as these conversations evolve. If you’re working in Dorset and want to be part of something truly different, we’d love to hear from you.”
View from the Soapbox: Wrapped in Possibility – From Kilburn to the Stage
Growing up, Jamie Beddard never imagined a life in the arts. The expectations placed on disabled people in the 1980s were painfully narrow—until two unexpected moments changed everything.
From a surreal community arts project involving greenhouses and wrapping paper, to landing a film role opposite Ian Dury, Jamie reflects on the serendipitous path that led him to Graeae, political awakening, and decades of creative activism.
But today, hard-won progress is under threat.
Let’s Smash the Mould Together: Tired of the same old stories getting airtime? Yeah, us too.
We’re rewriting the script. We’re platforming new, bold, brilliant artists who’ve been sidelined. We’re telling stories that challenge the norm, making work that touches the heart and creating spaces where everyone is seen and heard.
But making change takes guts, glitter, and—yep—money.
If you’ve ever cheered for justice, laughed at a show that made you think, or wanted to shake things up for the better… this is your moment.
Give just £4 today, and we promise to:
• Support marginalised artists take centre stage
• Run workshops that grow confidence and creative fire
• Turn up the volume on stories that rarely get heard
That’s less than a fancy coffee—and way more satisfying.
Big or small, your donation helps get more people in, on, seen and heard in the performing arts.
Pass It On
If this newsletter made you smile, think, or fired up—share it.
Forward it to a friend, a colleague, your nan, or someone who believes the arts should belong to everyone.
Thanks for being part of our story. Let’s keep allyship strong!
