Blue Apple Theatre is thrilled to announce the appointment of Liam Gifford to its Board of Trustees, effective from 30 October 2023. Liam brings a dynamic and diverse perspective to the role, enriching the Board with his extensive experience in the arts sector.
Liam Gifford, a theatre-maker of British and Irish heritage, hailing from North Devon and currently residing in Southampton, embodies a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the arts. His broad-ranging background spans both the education and theatre sectors.
In his theatre career, Liam has actively collaborated across age groups and backgrounds on various projects, including mass participation initiatives, new writing, devised works, and dance theatre. His projects have been showcased not only across the UK but also in Europe. Notably, Liam has recently contributed to Critical Mass, an integrated dance collective championing genuine inclusion among individuals identifying as D/deaf, Disabled, and non-disabled.
Liam Gifford
Blue Apple Theatre has had the pleasure of prior collaboration with Liam during his tenure as Young People's Producer at Play to the Crowd. His admiration for the company dates back to his leadership of the youth programme at Nuffield Southampton Theatres.
Currently employed by the University of Southampton within their Widening Participation and Social Mobility directorate, Liam is dedicated to advancing equality of opportunity in higher education for under-represented groups. With a background as a qualified secondary school and sixth-form teacher, he brings a wealth of educational experience from state schools across the South West and Wales (2012-18).
Liam is deeply committed to fostering person-centred working environments, promoting co-collaboration, and ensuring genuine reflection of the diversity within our society. On his recent appointment Liam said: “I’m honoured to be a Trustee for Hampshire charity Blue Apple Theatre. The organisation is committed to the development of integrated and progressive opportunities within the arts for people with learning disabilities”.
Blue Apple Theatre is confident that Liam Gifford's appointment will contribute significantly to the organisation's mission of challenging preconceptions and showcasing the abilities and potential of learning disabled performers.