Following Arts Council England’s recent confirmation of funds for Without Walls for 2023 – 2026, we are excited to announce a change to our management structure, to take us forward to the next decade.

Since 2011, the Without Walls programme has been delivered by XTRAX, a specialist outdoor arts agency with a team of 15 staff, under the leadership of Director Maggie Clarke.

Maggie was a founder member of Without Walls in 2007. Since starting as a group of five festivals, Without Walls has grown to become a network of over 30 festivals, which has supported the development of hundreds of new outdoor shows.

In close discussion with Maggie, the Boards of Without Walls and XTRAX have considered the next step in the evolution of the company and have agreed that from April 2023 Without Walls will employ the existing staff team directly. XTRAX will step back from its management role in Without Walls. Maggie will remain Director of XTRAX and will no longer undertake her role at Without Walls.

The Board of Without Walls recognises the exceptional success of the work that the XTRAX staff have delivered for it since 2011, and is delighted to be in a position to directly employ this skilled and experienced team.

This is a planned and mutually agreed move and we anticipate that XTRAX and Without Walls will continue to collaborate on projects and events in the future.

‘The partnership with XTRAX has been central to the success of Without Walls and through this change we are privileged to become the employers of such a talented, multi-skilled team. Maggie has been central to Without Walls since the beginning and has played a vital role in driving the work forward.  She will be much missed, but we look forward to continuing the relationship with her and XTRAX in the coming years.’

Jo Burns, Chair of Without Walls

‘It has been a great honour to be part of Without Walls since its formation, and I am hugely proud to have played a part in its success. With confirmation of Arts Council England support for the next three years, a dedicated network of partners and the staff team in place, I believe it is time for a new Director to lead Without Walls into the next stage. I will now focus on the development of new plans for XTRAX, and I look forward to a continued partnership with Without Walls.’

Maggie Clarke