The Without Walls Associate Programme is a hands-on learning experience. It benefits both new entrants into the outdoor arts sector, as well as more established practitioners who are looking to move beyond their current role and advance their career to the next level.
The programme launched in 2019 and is delivered as a collaboration between Without Walls and network partners. This allows participants to access a number of development opportunities while working to deliver some of the best outdoor arts events in the country. A key aim is to increase the representation in the sector of practitioners from communities currently under-represented in the outdoor arts sector, particularly from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, as well as those identifying as Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent.
The Without Walls Associate Programme is designed to create professional pathways into and through the sector, while at the same time ensuring that new insights and perspectives are embedded in the host organisations and the network.
Sherelle Robbins, Technical Coordinator, Birmingham Hippodrome
I loved my experience on the programme. It took me out of my comfort zone many times but in the most supportive and inclusive way. The programme not only allowed me to gain more hands-on experience as a tech coordinator but introduced me to various other roles and networks I’m keen to explore in the future.
Alison Holder, Associate Producer, Festival.org
I was approached to become an associate with Festival.org to produce Black Victorians by Jeanefer Jean-Charles. This production has gone on to tour successfully all over the UK and now internationally. I am also the producer for our new show, Patois, which is also delighting audiences.
These were the first productions which I have toured extensively outdoors and so having the support of the Without Walls team and fellow associates to learn, ask questions, receive suggestions, useful tips and information or simply riff off, has been invaluable, particularly when it came to international touring.
A benefit of being an associate producer at Festival.org, is that I am also part of the team which delivers GDIF each year. I was given the opportunity to curate and deliver the Professionals Programme in 2023 which was an excellent insight into the outdoor arts sector, and I was able to get to know and liaise with artists on a level I
hadn’t up until that point.
My previous producing work has been with theatre companies such as The Bush, Talawa Theatre Company and English Touring Theatre as well as BBC Radio Drama and so developing and understanding on how outdoor arts is so impactful and accessible is valuable experience to have. I continue to develop, and I would like to expand on guiding artists who had not perhaps considered creating work for outdoors.
Fee Hudson Francis, Project Manager, Hat Fair
My role at Hat Fair & Playmakers is Project Manager and it’s an all encompassing role with elements of producing, event management, community engagement and artist liaison. The Hat Fair team is small so we work very closely together with the support of the wider Play To The Crowd team. I’m really excited to be doing this role as part of the Without Walls Associate programme as it provides additional support from the Without Walls team and opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have access to. I’m really enjoying learning more about the outdoor arts sector, making new networks and being able to travel to other festivals to see outdoor art. This role provides a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of the industry that I might not otherwise be exposed to, in a safe environment where I’m able to ask questions, learn from others and see best practice in action. I think programmes like this are important to promote more diversity in the sector and give people from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to succeed in leadership roles.
I come from an events management background and did my undergraduate degree in Drama and Event Management at the University of Winchester and I’m actually heading back in September 2022 to start an MA in Arts and Cultural Management. I’m really passionate about personal development and continued learning so I’m excited to undertake this next step of education alongside attending regular training events from Without Walls.
In the future, I would love to continue my career in festivals and outdoor arts with a focus on access and inclusion.
Joanna Dong, Associate Producer, Certain Blacks
My role at Certain Blacks is as Associate Producer and currently I am working on audience development initiatives as well as supporting the 2023 Without Walls programme and the Heroes Festival artists commissions.
I work closely with the artistic director of Certain Blacks, artists and the festival team having met them while I worked on the 2022 Ensemble Festival. The Without Walls Associate programme has made it possible for me to learn more about festival organising and producing through practice, especially in the areas of developing community audiences and outdoor arts projects in public spaces. It also creates precious opportunities to ask questions, learn from industry experts, and be guided to achieve goals.
I have worked in marketing for both the Beijing and London Olympics. I established Performance Infinity in 2012 after finishing my MA in Theatre Studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama and have been working as a creative producer mainly in the areas of international touring and co-producing.
At the moment, I am producing FeastFest, a community-led arts festival about food. In the future I hope to develop this into a leading festival, with national and international partners, to create high-quality, free and low-cost cultural and arts experiences.
‘Taking part in this programme has solidified my pursuit of my future career path as an Outdoor Arts producer, and helped me to make some meaningful professional connections.’
Abbie Reeve, Without Walls Associate 2021
In 2021/22 Without Walls supported the following Associate roles:
Tinisha Williams, Festival Producer, Birmingham Hippodrome
Nicole May, Associate Producer, Certain Blacks
In 2020/21, Without Walls supported the following Associate roles:
Abbie Reeves, Production & Programme Assistant, Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Anna McGrath, Events Assistant, First Art
Jasmine Thompson, Mair Morel, Sophie Shepherd (job share) Assistant Outdoor Arts Producer, Theatre Orchard
In 2019/20, Without Walls supported two Associate roles:
Tara Williams, Programme and Residency Assistant at 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space
Angelica Urfano, Operations and Administration Officer at Seachange Arts
‘I have met so many role models and inspirational individuals who I would love to learn from and follow one day. I really hope there will be more people to take this opportunity to get involved and participate in all activities that come with this, as this is one of the best ways to really understand the outdoor arts and immerse oneself in everything it involves. It’s a great way to also understand the different roles and jobs because you get introduced to some of the best in their field.’
Angelica Urfano, Without Walls Associate 2019
Image credits: Black Victorians by Jeanefer Jean-Charles at Hat Fair 2021 © Adrienne Photography
The Rascally Diner by LAStheatre at NNF 2021 © Mary Doggett
The Lost Opera by Ashley Peevor and Nikki Watson at Timber 2021 © Andrew Allcock