Empowering Underserved Communities 

We are building closer connections with communities, particularly those that are currently underserved, such as our Rural Hub Towns project, which works with residents of all genders and ages to help strengthen their relevance and voices in their communities. 

Leadership Roles 

We encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to take up leadership roles within our organisation which we believe is essential for long-term inclusivity across the work that we do. Recently we welcomed our new Company Manager, Kirstie Naimo, while our governance board is proudly becoming a more diverse body. 

Look out for Kristie's 'Meet Kristie' blog which will be out soon!

Education and Training 

We provide skills development opportunities for our staff, board members and our voluntary promoters. We recently began developing a resource package that will be used to skill up promoters and new flagship communities in how to identify, approach and work with underrepresented people in their communities. Within the organisation, our team members take up a wide range of training opportunities. Last year, our Admin & Marketing Assistant Beau completed Trans awareness training with gendered intelligence and we are now importing these lessons into our day-to-day practices.  

Programming and Developing Performers 

Our programme is always packed with women performers, offering them platforms that amplify their voices. We know that empowered performers inspire others, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the entire sector and we are committed to identifying and developing new artists to rural touring through our Developing Artists in Rural Touring Programme (DART) which supports Live & Local’s artistic and equalities policies as well as Arts Council England’s Creative Case for Diversity. 

Inspiring Inclusion resonates strongly with us here at Live & Local and we are committed to creating a future where inclusivity in the rural touring sector thrives and inspires generations to come. 

Nip, how can rural touring programmes be more inclusive of women artists, especially those from underrepresented communities?

"To make rural touring programmes more inclusive of women artists, particularly those from underrepresented communities, it's important to create an open and welcoming environment. This can be achieved by actively seeking out and providing opportunities for female artists to showcase their work and contribute to the development of the programmes.

Providing mentorship and support, as well as engaging in outreach efforts to connect with artists from diverse backgrounds can also help to ensure that their perspectives and experiences are taken into account.

Additionally, creating spaces for collaboration and dialogue can help to break down barriers and foster a sense of belonging for all artists, regardless of their gender or background. Ultimately, by actively working to include and uplift the voices of women artists, we can create a more diverse and representative community within the realm of rural touring programmes."

Aster, what role do you think rural arts events play in challenging gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality?

"Art has the unique ability to challenge societal norms and reshape perceptions. Arts events that defy traditional gender roles, whether that’s around womens’ place in society or about acknowledging the LGBT+ community as a part of our social fabric, present alternative narratives that empower women and femme aligned people, and challenge harmful stereotypes.

This is particularly powerful when done rurally, as loneliness, isolation and a loss of connection can restrict access to the perspectives and validity of others.

Rural arts events foster a sense of community and solidarity, creating a space where people can come together to support and uplift each other. By breaking the isolation that some rural people may experience, these events can become catalysts for building networks of support. This communal strength enables people to pursue their goals, share experiences and collectively challenge discriminatory practices. This not only educates the community but also sparks important conversations that can lead to positive change."