Discover Programme
The Discover Programme is a perfect opportunity for artists, directors, producers, designers and creatives who’re new to the outdoor arts sector.
Through a unique series of group sessions with industry practitioners, participants are offered a broad insight into, and understanding of, what working in outdoor arts means. A key aim of this programme is to increase the representation of those who are currently underrepresented across the sector, particularly people who identify as global majority, D/deaf, disabled or neurodiverse.
‘The programme gave me a huge insight into the types of outdoor works out there but also about the logistics of creating work for the outdoors. It was a great opportunity to meet other artists, festival producers and the programme of talks and events were well curated and hugely useful.’
Subathra Subramaniam, Artistic Director and Joint CEO, Akademi
Across the summer Discover participants take part in 1 to 1 sessions, festival meet-ups and online talks, meeting other creatives working in the sector.
‘The Discover programme was amazing and allowed me to receive mentorship, networking and wider connectivity.’
2023 participant
August 2022 participants
Alethia Antonia is a UK-based choreographer, performer, teacher and researcher.
Fern Beard is a festival producer and project manager. She is a producer at Inspirate in the Midlands, An Indian Summer and is a project manager at 2Funky Arts.
Lousie Conaghan is a writer, performer and theatre maker from Donegal, Ireland. She set up and produces street theatre with Play Make-Believe.
Joanna Dong is a creative producer living in London, who was born and grew up in China. She is the founder and director of Performance Infinity, and produces FeastFest.
Fee Hudson Francis is a freelance project and event manager based in Southampton. She is currently working as Project Manager for Hat Fair, is a Women Leaders South West associate at The Point and Company Secretary for Strike A Light.
Amina Khayyam is a kathak performer, choreographer and dance theatre maker. She is the Artistic Director of Amina Khayyam Dance Company.
Lizzy Maries is a creative producer and coach. She is currently leads a digital programme centring access and R&D at Pavilion Dance South West.
Aerial Mel Stevens is an aerial circus artist, spoken word poet, music and film producer, teacher and consultant. They are the founder of Aim to Fly UK.
Urja Desai Thakore is one of the UK’s leading kathak dancers and choreographers. She is the Artistic Director of Pagrav Dance Company.
Lauren Nicole Whitter is an actress, poet, physical theatre performer and external examiner based in Derby. She is the founder of Anansi Theatre Company.
2021 Participants
Aoi Nakamura – Artistic Director, AOE
Bryony Farrant-Davis – Creative Engagement & Community Producer
Natalie Verhaegen – Artistic Director, Loose End Physical Theatre
Ella Mesma – Artistic Director, Ella Mesma Company
Gina Chan Martinez – Mass movement choreographer + live-action consultant
Mahandra Patel – Founder, teacher & performer, Kadence Music
Olivia Altaras – Designer, Maker & Community Artist
Sonia Sabri – Artistic Director, Sonia Sabri Company
Lauren Banks – Young Peoples Producer, Contact
Louise Brown – Co-Artistic Director, Velcro Collective
Michaela Cisarikova – Choreographer & teacher, Michaela Cisarikova Dance Company
Nadia Iftkhar – Artistic Director and CEO, Company of Others
Sushmita Pati – Artistic Director / Producer, Kala the Arts
Symoné S – Director / Performer, Fierce Flow
Talita Moffatt – Producer, Trade Arts
Urja Thakore – Artistic Director, Pagrav Dance
2019 Participants
Alex Rinsler
Alison Holder
Anna Alvarez
David Bennie
Debbie Bandara
Etta Ermini
Hazel Lam
Jamaal Burkmar
Kwesi Johnson
Ling Tan
Paul Smith
Pierre Palluet
Rinkoo Barpaga
Stephanie Applin
Suba Subramaniam
Sonny Nwachukwu