Disability Arts Online hires first artistic director

Disability Arts Online (DAO) has announced the appointment of disabled and neurodivergent theatre-maker and playwright KATE LOVELL as the organisation’s first artistic director.

An established arts leader with a practice spanning directing, dramaturgy, writing and creative producing, Lovell will take creative leadership of the charitable arts organisation and co-lead with its chief executive TRISH WHEATLEY.

She joins DAO from her previous position as co-creative director at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

Lovell has a longstanding relationship with DAO, having started in 2015 as a participants in a disabled writers development programme and continuing on as a regular contributor to DAO’s magazine and podcast, before becoming the magazine’s first guest editor in 2018.

The new position has been created after founder COLIN HAMBROOK moved in the role of heritage project director of new project Crippling Culture, off the back of more than 20 years as editor.

Lovell will lead DAO’s talent development and creative programmes, including its magazine which commissions reviews, interviews and opinion pieces by disabled freelancers.

Lovell said the organisation had played “a formative role” in her journey as a disabled and neurodivergent artist.

She continued: “I’m deeply conscious that I step into this role standing on the shoulders of giants, and I’m excited to help shape DAO’s future alongside chief executive Trish, the staff team and the wider community. I look forward to championing disabled artists, amplifying bold and uncompromising voices, and ensuring disabled people continue to take up space loudly, visibly and unapologetically across the cultural sector.”

Co-chairs ELINOR MORGAN and DENNIS QUEEN said: “It was a real honour to receive applications from so many talented people for our first ever artistic director role and we are so pleased to welcome Kate to the team.

“We know she will build on Colin’s pioneering legacy while bringing fresh perspectives to DAO’s important work championing disability arts and removing barriers across the arts sector. Kate takes a care-driven, intersectional and rigorous approach to working with disabled artists and we can’t wait to work with her.”