Message From The Chair
I am delighted first to have been announced as Chair of CDMT in Autumn 2022, and now to have this opportunity to add my message to the CDMT website, with its wealth of helpful and inspirational content.
CDMT’s mission in advancing both outstanding artistic performance and creative opportunity for all chimes strongly with my own personal and professional experiences both within and outside the political arena. As a graduate in the performing arts, a past teacher and examiner, and someone who has had a lifelong engagement with performing arts education, I know first-hand the power experiencing the arts can unlock for individuals throughout society. Some will, through that exposure, experience different ways of seeing the world, and undergo life-changing transformations in confidence. Others will, through dedication and hard work, go on to pursue their passion at the highest level. It is of enormous pleasure to me when I see former pupils that they remember their drama lessons and school productions as some of the most enjoyable experiences at school.
Whilst the pandemic is now past, there is no denying that there is still some rebuilding to do for the UK arts sector. However, it is also true that it served to bring into sharp focus the true value of our creative industries. It is vital in this context that we work collectively to secure the pipeline of highly trained future professionals on which the sector relies, to make sure that the tap of emerging talent is never switched off, especially for youngsters in underrepresented groups in the industry.
I look forward to supporting CDMT in its ongoing work at the heart of the UK performing arts sector, as authoritative provider of quality assurance, go-to source of reliable information, and passionate and influential advocate on behalf of the exceptional organisations it serves.
The Rt. Hon. Baroness Wilcox of Newport
Chair
The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre