About DAiSY
What is DAiSY?
DAiSY (DAiSYfest CIC) is an umbrella organisation which promotes and celebrates the works of disabled artists and disability arts organisations in Surrey.
The organisation strives to develop the South East as the lead region in the UK for disability and deaf cultural activity, making Surrey a welcoming and accessible place for all artists to practice.
DAiSY was founded as a steering group in 2011, initially with the intention of delivering festivals that celebrated the work of its members. DAiSY delivered DAiSYfest at Leatherhead Theatre in 2013 and then at GLive in 2014 and 2016.
Since this time DAiSY has changed the way it works to create a programme of activity which happens throughout the year. The focus has also shifted to encompass advocacy and training, whilst still keeping artistic delivery and networking at the heart of its delivery.
In 2020 DAiSY became DAiSYfest CIC, incorporating as a charitable organisation. During this year DAiSY also launched its Artist Commissioning scheme.
The DAiSY Team
Cara Flowers
Cara is the Managing and Artistic Director and is responsible for the overall running of DAiSY. As a Neurodiverse Artist herself she has nearly 20 years’ experience of working in the visual arts with an expertise in public and participatory art as both Artist and Producer.
Dee McMullen
Dee is Arts Development Manager at DAiSY, working with Cara to develop funding for new projects. She has over 10 years’ experience in curating, producing and managing cultural and arts projects across the not-for-profit, educational and community sectors. She is also a practicing visual artist.
Ellie Page
Ellie is Head of Marketing and Communications for DAiSY. She is responsible for the marketing strategy and managing DAiSY’s social media presence. Ellie is a regional manager for a national arts charity, as well as an accessibility consultant, mental health worker and podcast host. She is a disabled artist herself, and is a passionate and experienced activist and advocate for disability rights.
Laura Jones
Laura Jones is a Trustee of DAiSY. She is a dance artist, based in South East England. As well as being Head of Talent Development at Stopgap Dance Company she is also on the board of Trustees at East London Dance and English Folk Dance and Song Society.
Viv Colvill
Viv is a Trustee of DAiSY. She has great knowledge of performing arts and inclusive working, and was the founder and director of Freewheelers Theatre and Media Co.
Hayley Bull
Hayley Bull is a Trustee of DAiSY. She has worked in creative production management her whole career, both managing and supporting a range of established artists and artistic organisations within the UK and Europe. Hayley currently works as the General Manager of Bloomin’ Arts.