Culture Moves
Overview
Setting the stage for equity, diversity, inclusion and access in dance.
Culture Moves is the name we give to our programme of equity, diversity, inclusion and access - not because EDIA is a separate strand of our work, but because it runs through everything we do: who is on our stages, who is in our studios, who watches our shows, who leads our organisation, and how we treat each other every day. It is the practical expression of our vision and values, setting out what equity, diversity, inclusion and access mean at New Adventures and what we commit to doing about them.
What We Do
Equity
Audio Description and Touch Tour
We offer an audio described performance and touch tour at every touring venue, and work with partially-sighted and blind consultants to review this.
We are a corporate member of the Audio Description Association (ADA). The Audio Description Association is a registered charity which was set up in 1999 to meet the growing demand for a national organisation to promote and support audio description. We continue to work with our long-term provider Caroline Burn from Talking Theatre.
Through our Audio Description outreach we have worked with many different charities which include Sandwell Visually Impaired, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Croydon Vision, North East Sight Matters, OpenSight Southampton, Pudsey Charity for the Visually Impaired, Sight for Surrey, Southampton Sight, Hull Vision Support and Blind Aid.
Sustaining Careers
Spring Forward supports company members in learning a new skill, accessing training and personal development or spending time in research for choreographic projects.
Placemaking Schools Workshop Tours
We work with our placemaking partners to build new connections and deepen existing relationships with schools in their region. This programme has a focus on schools with high pupil premium across both primary, secondary and SEN settings.
We also offer a range of digital resources for schools across the country including instructional videos and information packs.
Diversity
Open Auditions
We always hold accessible auditions, ensuring that we're accommodating access needs. We also held audition time-slots for non-binary dancers as well as male and female dancers.
Emerging Artist
The Emerging Artist role is specifically designed to support dancers from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds and the Global Majority, creating pathways for talent historically underrepresented in the dance sector as they move from training into the industry. Across the year, they are mentored by New Adventures artists, take part in classes, residencies and studio time, and perform with a New Adventures touring production.
Inclusion
Community Projects
Doorstep Duets removes barriers to access high quality performances across the South-East region. Reaching 5000 people in 2025, the free performances took place in public parks, shopping centres, care homes, children's hospitals, public libraries and more.
For the past three years, we have worked with Farnham Maltings and Surrey Libraries to create an original movement performance with LGBTQ+ adults based on the themes of our touring show. A background in dance is not necessary to take part, participants just need to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community and living in Surrey.
We hold Next Adventures workshops for participants over 55 years old to explore the work of New Adventures, build connections and form a community.
Placements and Careers
Our one-of-a-kind Placement Programme offers unique work experience in a wide range of areas. At New Adventures we are committed to creating Placements where everyone knows they belong and can do their best work. We support and nurture all our Placements to reach their full potential and to create opportunities that are meaningful and tailored to each individual. We pride ourselves on maintaining a one-to-one support system that enhances confidence and trust in developing skills and practical hands-on experience in the chosen area of work.
Access
Access Performances
We host an annual Sensory Adapted Performance which helps more audiences enjoy the experience in a relaxed and inclusive environment. We provide tailored resources by disabled-led organisations like Tourette’s Hero as well as pre-show family dance workshops. We also offer post-show talks with BSL interpretation, creating more opportunities for audiences to connect with the work and the artists behind it.
Free and Subsidised Tickets
We offer 30 free tickets to all touring venues to distribute within the local community. Examples of recipients are women's groups, schools and colleges and asylum seeker community groups.
In April 2026, we held an Education Performance of The Red Shoes for schools in Bradford, in which 380 students and their parents/carers received subsidised tickets and attended a careers talk alongside the show.
Placemaking Experience Days
At our experience days, we are committed to reaching communities through dance by bringing them into and connecting them with their local venue and New Adventures productions.
Staff Access Passports
Our access passport is a clear and concise form for our employees and freelancers to detail their access needs. It's not about diagnosis, but rather how circumstances and environment may impact their work. Our Inclusion and Access team is responsible for identifying any support or reasonable adjustments and kickstarting confidential, friendly conversations about how to help everyone thrive in their role.
Who We Are
Culture Moves Working Group
Equity, diversity, inclusion and access (EDIA) is for everyone. As part of our Culture Moves Action Plan we have a dedicated Working Group which has been active since 2021/22.
The Culture Moves Working Group is the governance structure through which New Adventures drives, monitors and is held accountable for its Culture Moves commitments. It meets at least quarterly and is trustee-led, with the Chief Operating Officer managing day-to-day coordination. Membership includes Board representation alongside both employee and freelance representation, drawing on people with a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences across the company.
Meet the Culture Moves Working Group below and find out what being a Culture Moves rep means to them.
Culture Moves Working Group
Vicki
Igbokwe-Ozoagu
Trustee
Aysha
Powell
Chief Operating Officer
Bryony
Pennington
Dancer / Emerging Leader
Elaine
Joseph
Inclusion and Access Manager
Etta
Murfitt MBE
Associate Artistic Director
Gavin
Eden
Dance Artist
Glenn
Graham
Senior Take Part Creative Lead
Irene
Butera
Head of Development
Isaac
Peter Bowry
Dancer
James
Miller
Assistant General Manager
Jennie
Green
Executive Director
Angela
McEvilly
Placements Programme Manager
Luke
Murphy
Dancer
Bronagh
Leneghan
Inclusion and Access Officer
Michela
Meazza
Dancer & Dance Artist
Nathaniel
Cope
Social Media and Communications Officer
Nicole
Kabera
Dancer
Sam
Archer
Take Part Producer - Schools and Young People
Shelby
Williams
Choreographer
Sian
Brackett-Hayes
Take Part Producer - Talent Development
Suyeon
Na
Company AssistantWhat does being a Culture Moves representative mean to members of the Working Group?
To raise awareness of differences, and to understand what it might feel like stepping into someone else’s shoes.
Glenn Graham
Being a Culture Moves rep equals accountability, leaning towards the hard and uncomfortable questions and listening with grace.
Elaine Lillian Punia-Joseph
For me it’s about being in community with people from different walks of life for the greater good of everyone.
Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu
It’s at the heart of the organisation and it’s where I feel we can listen, learn and then make small changes that become big changes.
Jennie Green
It makes me happy to be a part of a force for change which directly affects and is a part of my lived experience. I feel that we give people a voice who may struggle to have one otherwise. Small group - big change!
Sian Brackett-Hayes
Testimonials
I've never been to the theatre before, it made me cry.
Student, The Red Shoes Education Performance
It was a great learning experience where I was able to be immersed in a world I wouldn't usually be able to see. I found the staff were all very lovely and welcoming so I always felt comfortable.
Placement Participant, Swan Lake
Being able to have the touch tour prior to the performance is what makes it possible for a blind person to enjoy a dance production as wonderful as Matthew Bourne's dance company.
Audio Description User, The Red Shoes
It was more than just a performance; it was an uplifting moment of joy and inclusion.
Recipient of free Audience Development ticket, Plymouth
My highlight was the ability to work as a team and forget about any of our differences. I loved seeing people stepping out of their comfort zones.
Student, Swan Lake Schools Tour
My son had a great time at the workshop and loved the show as well. He's been inspired to be a dancer when he grows up! I also loved the ballet. It is just spectacular and made me cry!
Parent of participant, Swan Lake Take Flight
Who We Work With
One of our core company values is collaboration and we have a long-held and shared commitment to supporting, developing and investing in all members of the New Adventures company and everyone involved with our work including performers, creatives, crew, staff, dance artists, audiences, participants, trustees, students and partners. We work together with partners to help us achieve these aims. Our current partners include Access All Areas, Tired Connect, Global Butterflies, Take the Space, PiPA (Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts), Go Live Theatre and Talking Theatres.
This work would not be possible without our partners:
