Black Sensory Theatre Makers
Donation protected
My name is Natalya Martin and I am an actor and freelance sensory artist. I also co-run the small non-profit theatre company, FEEL Theatre. We make sensory stories, shows and experiences for and with young people with complex needs.
Why?
I’m have set up this fund in response to the lack of diversity within the sensory theatre sector; specifically referring to the lack of Black sensory theatre practitioners and creatives.
I understand that creating sensory theatre or sensory based arts requires a great level of experience in the field and an understanding of the audience we are collaborating with. Personally, my ability to create sensory theatre has come not only from my experiences, but from training days, workshops, books, conferences, residencies, etc. All of these things cost time and money. I have been fortunate enough to be provided with these opportunities, often gifted generously to me by other groups and companies. It is time to pay it forward.
Therefore, I am setting up a fund that is specifically for Black sensory theatre makers. A fund that will allow people to access the training they need, buy the books to read, go to the conferences and networking events and more. This is also in acknowledgement of the negative impact COVID-19 has had on our industry; an industry that is currently unravelling and hindering an entire generation of freelance theatre makers' artistic development.
Aim:
My aim is to put together 5 bursaries of £650, each going to a Black creative who has an interest in developing skills in sensory theatre. The total that would need to be fundraised is £3250. As an early-stage freelancer I myself am unable to provide such funds singlehandedly, as much as I wish I could. I am very passionate about this and have set up a GoFundMe to help make these bursaries happen.
Time frame:
I aim to raise all necessary funds by October 2020.
Once the funds have been raised, there will be an application process by which Black creatives can apply for the fund.
The funds will then be provided to 5 creatives with an interest in sensory theatre in January 2021. The creatives can use this fund over the course of the year to buy books, attend training and more.
The only requirement from the creatives who receive the fund will be to document some of their experiences and what they have learnt - whether that be through video, writing, voice recording or another method.
Your support in any way and no matter the amount will mean a lot.
Thank you!
Link to my open letter for more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X4XtFmHDAD3KATbvC76SLqqHAr1rFWfQ9Hz10alUWx4/edit?usp=sharing
Why?
I’m have set up this fund in response to the lack of diversity within the sensory theatre sector; specifically referring to the lack of Black sensory theatre practitioners and creatives.
I understand that creating sensory theatre or sensory based arts requires a great level of experience in the field and an understanding of the audience we are collaborating with. Personally, my ability to create sensory theatre has come not only from my experiences, but from training days, workshops, books, conferences, residencies, etc. All of these things cost time and money. I have been fortunate enough to be provided with these opportunities, often gifted generously to me by other groups and companies. It is time to pay it forward.
Therefore, I am setting up a fund that is specifically for Black sensory theatre makers. A fund that will allow people to access the training they need, buy the books to read, go to the conferences and networking events and more. This is also in acknowledgement of the negative impact COVID-19 has had on our industry; an industry that is currently unravelling and hindering an entire generation of freelance theatre makers' artistic development.
Aim:
My aim is to put together 5 bursaries of £650, each going to a Black creative who has an interest in developing skills in sensory theatre. The total that would need to be fundraised is £3250. As an early-stage freelancer I myself am unable to provide such funds singlehandedly, as much as I wish I could. I am very passionate about this and have set up a GoFundMe to help make these bursaries happen.
Time frame:
I aim to raise all necessary funds by October 2020.
Once the funds have been raised, there will be an application process by which Black creatives can apply for the fund.
The funds will then be provided to 5 creatives with an interest in sensory theatre in January 2021. The creatives can use this fund over the course of the year to buy books, attend training and more.
The only requirement from the creatives who receive the fund will be to document some of their experiences and what they have learnt - whether that be through video, writing, voice recording or another method.
Your support in any way and no matter the amount will mean a lot.
Thank you!
Link to my open letter for more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X4XtFmHDAD3KATbvC76SLqqHAr1rFWfQ9Hz10alUWx4/edit?usp=sharing
Organizer
Natalya Martin
Organizer
