Mind the Gap appoints a new co-leadership team, Charli Ward and Maria Thelwell

Today Mind the Gap, England’s premier learning disability performance and arts company, is thrilled to announce the appointment of a dynamic new co-leadership team. Charli Ward, formerly the Academy Director, has been named Creative Director, while Maria Thelwell, formerly Head of Engagement, will now take on the role of Executive Producer. This leadership transition marks an exciting 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 Ward, 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.

Reflecting on her new role, Charli Ward said, “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 and 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 Thelwell brings extensive producing and project management experience from a career working in theatre venues, community development spaces and as a freelance producer. Maria is committed to supporting change to make the arts sector more accessible to underserved communities. She has been a driving force behind Mind the Gap’s most recent strategic engagement initiatives, securing funding investment from the National Lottery Fund of £315,000 for an innovative arts programme, My Creative Local.

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

The Board of Trustees at Mind the Gap are confident that this co-leadership model will further strengthen the company’s ability to place learning-disabled and autistic artists at the heart of its creative vision and decision-making processes. This new structure will not only support the continued growth and success of Mind the Gap’s current projects but also pave the way for future collaborations with new artistic partners.

These developments reaffirm Mind the Gap’s dedication to fulfilling its mission of creating groundbreaking, inclusive theatre that challenges perceptions and pushes the boundaries of the performing arts. The company remains committed to delivering on all its current commitments while exploring new opportunities to expand its reach and impact.

Mind the Gap’s Co-Chair of Trustees, Emma Gee, commented on the appointments, saying, ” 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.”

Press Release available here.