Make is a UK wide community of Black artists, empowered to create their own path through a range of development activity. Make provides key support at each stage of a Black artist’s career. With diversity issues in theatre remaining frequently discussed but slow-changing, Talawa Theatre Company begins their 31st year with a meaningful and sustained response to the needs of Black artists.
Make aims to create bespoke talent development to provide for the future diversity of British theatre. Talawa is the UK’s primary Black led touring theatre company. Their work is informed by the wealth and diversity of the Black British experience, and they create outstanding work by cultivating the best in emerging and established Black artists.
“Diversity projects tend to be just that – projects – and as a quick fix approach, they are not building an infrastructure. What we need is sustained engagement that provides artists with a pathway in to the industry, and the footholds to keep them there.” Gail Babb, Talawa Producer for Participation & Learning.
ENGAGE will reach new people, who are not currently engaged with Talawa or with theatre. Offering grassroots workshops, networking events and a script reading service, ENGAGE will increase Black participation in theatre by reaching new participants across the UK.
GROW will provide opportunities for artists to develop their skills and generate new work. Artists will be encouraged to access existing Talawa schemes including the Talawa Writers’ Programme (commission and attachment for emerging writers); TYPT (devising project for emerging theatre makers); Talawa Firsts (festival of work in progress); Creating Routes (a facilitator training programme) and Studio Firsts (time, space and support to create new work).
COLLABORATE will create the space for artists to take risks with peers, meet, play and build a lasting network. This will be achieved by creating a series of encounters for artists to collaborate and take a risk in a supportive environment.
SUSTAIN will provide advice and support to ensure Black artists thrive in the industry.
Talawa will address drop off points experienced by mid-career Black artists and practitioners by offering: meet and greets with industry professionals, Talawa staff support and mentoring, free office space and rehearsal space.
Visit Talawa Theatre Company for more details .
