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Introducing Tafsila Khan

We were delighted to introduce our first cohort of Creative Associates last month. This dynamic group of eight artists and creative practitioners join our team at a crucial stage in our story.

Over the coming weeks, we'll be getting to know each associate a little better, via a Q&A. This week, meet Tafsila...

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE. WHAT KIND OF WORK DO YOU MAKE AND WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I am an emerging theatre director who has a passion for real stories and giving a voice to those who are usually unheard. The work I like to create is political, relevant and champions social justice. I am motivated by the power of the arts to create change within society.

My work has accessibility at the core to develop wider engagement with the arts.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO JOIN US AS A CREATIVE ASSOCIATE?

I wanted to join as a Creative Associate because the role encompasses my creative practice as an aspiring theatre director as well as my role as an access consultant.

The role gives me the freedom to pursue my theatre directing career, working with industry professionals to develop my creative practice and gain experience of working with a wide range of audiences.

As an access consultant I work with venues and production companies to engage with current and prospective audiences with disabilities. Working as a Creative Associate with Wales Millennium Centre I can ensure that accessibility is integrated in all parts of the organisation.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET FROM THE NEXT TWO YEARS WORKING WITH US AT WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE?

I hope to develop my creative practice by gaining opportunities and experiences to enhance my directing skills, and also increase my knowledge of the arts sector as a whole. Working with multi-disciplinary artists to co create and network.

THE LAST 18 MONTHS HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT, BUT WHAT ARE THE POSITIVES THAT HAVE COME OUT OF THIS PERIOD FOR YOU, AND WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?

Although the last 18 months have been a challenge for everyone, I feel that some positives to come from this experience have been that we have been forced to look at what is most important to us and how we take things for granted.

Covid has emphasised how important art is for our well-being. The result of this has been that people have used different mediums of the arts to help them cope with the pandemic, from drawing pictures to display in windows to musical concerts being held on balconies.

The way the arts industry has adapted to the pandemic has meant they have been able to attract and engage new audiences. I hope this is built on in the future and the arts sector is welcoming to all.

The last 18 months for me have been a chance to reflect on what I want to do with my career, and this has spurred me on to follow my dreams to become a director and work within the arts sector.

WHERE CAN WE SEE YOUR WORK?

You can follow me on Twitter here - @TafsilaMME @BlindspotTC

You can see my work with Taking Flight Theatre here and my work with Sherman Theatre here.