BRADFORD-BASED Mind the Gap - England’s premier learning disability performance and arts company - has announced the appointment of a “dynamic new co-leadership team”.

Charli Ward, formerly the theatre company’s Academy Director, is the new Creative Director, while Maria Thelwell, formerly Head of Engagement, now takes on the role of Executive Producer. This leadership transition marks a new chapter for Mind the Gap as it continues to pioneer inclusive practices in the performing arts.

Charli and Maria bring many years of experience and a shared commitment to advancing learning-disability and autism inclusive practices. Charli, an accomplished artist, has shaped many of Mind the Gap’s most ambitious projects, including Performance Academy, the UK’s only Level 4 Certificate of Education in Performing Arts for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, in partnership with York St John University.

As a co-lead and devising artist, she played a key role in the critically acclaimed collaborations with Gecko and Alan Lyddiard on productions such as A Little Space and CONTAINED. Her deep understanding of the creative process and innovative approach to inclusive theatre-making will be central to her new role as Creative Director.

Says Charli: “I’m thrilled to step into a co-leadership role with Maria at Mind the Gap, where we’ll continue advancing the company’s bold vision, building on its 30-year legacy of strong leadership and reputation. I look forward to deepening my work with our ensemble of Artists, bringing new creatives into the fold, and commissioning new performances for our touring company.”

Maria brings producing and project management experience from a career in theatre venues, community development spaces and as a freelance producer. She is committed to supporting change to make the arts sector more accessible to under-served communities. Maria has been a driving force behind Mind the Gap’s recent initiatives, securing National Lottery funding of £315,000 for innovative arts programme, My Creative Local.

Zara - Mind the Gap's ambitious production at Piece Hall in Halifax Zara - Mind the Gap's ambitious production at Piece Hall in Halifax (Image: Oli Scarff)

“It’s an exciting, inspiring time to step into a co-leadership role and carry through the incredible legacy from Julia and Joyce’s time with the company,” says Maria. “We will continue to support Mind the Gap’s amazing artists, participants, and staff team to make brilliant, meaningful, creative things happen. I look forward to building on the collaborative work with our local community in Bradford and championing inclusive practice across everything we do.”

The Board of Trustees at Mind the Gap says the new leadership team will strengthen the company’s ability to place learning-disabled and autistic artists at the heart of its creative vision and decision-making.

The new team follows the departure of former Executive Director Julia Skelton and Artistic Director Joyce Nga Yu Lee.

Since joining Mind the Gap in 1997, Julia has played a key role in transforming the company from a small theatre group in Bradford into a globally recognised arts organisation advocating inclusion and accessibility for people with learning disabilities and autism. Under Julia’s leadership, Mind the Gap has grown into England’s largest learning disability theatre company and emerged as a pioneering advocate for inclusion and diversity in the arts. One of Julia’s notable achievements is the development of MTG Studios in Lister Mills, a £2.4 million purpose-built facility that provides accessible spaces and has significantly enhanced its artistic profile and capabilities.

Joyce, who joined in 2010, has been the driving force behind some of the company’s most ambitious, complex productions, including Birdie, Mia and ZARA - the company’s largest production to date.

Mind the Gap was founded in 1988 by Susan Brown and Tim Wheeler, with Tim serving as Artistic Director until 2014. When Julia Skelton joined as joint CEO in 1997, the company consisted of a freelance producer, a part-time finance administrator and a creative team of eight members.

Today Mind the Gap provides supported employment for 13 artists with learning disabilities and/or autism and employs an additional 21 staff and a network of freelancers.

Mind the Gap’s Co-Chair of Trustees Emma Gee says: “ Mind the Gap has always strived to be at the vanguard of arts production with, by, and for people with the lived experience of learning disability and autism.

“Behind the scenes, Charli and Maria have been incredibly creative, proactive, sensitive and driven members of the senior staff team. We are so lucky to have them continue this journey, to pick up where Joyce and Julia leave off, and to take us into the future with their shared commitment, vision and energy. We have exciting and productive times to look forward to.”