Inaugural Cohort · 2026–27
Meet the inaugural Fellows.
The Imogen Kinchin Fellowship has announced the eight emerging cultural leaders selected for its inaugural 2026–27 cohort.
The eight Fellows were selected from a remarkable field of applicants for the generosity, curiosity, ambition and desire to make a difference that sit at the heart of the Fellowship. Each was chosen for their readiness to take the next step as a cultural leader, and for the contribution they are already making to their field and community.
Together they bring experience spanning theatre, dance, dramaturgy, producing, artistic direction, curation and community-engaged practice, working across subsidised and commercial venues, independent practice, higher education and the creative industries.
From running venues and artist development programmes to founding companies and shaping work for young people, they reflect the breadth of talent Imogen Kinchin's legacy was created to champion.
The 26/27 Fellows
Eight emerging cultural leaders, chosen for their generosity, curiosity, ambition and desire to make a difference. Tap a Fellow to read their bio.
Aisha Zia
Artistic Director & Co-CEO, Kali Theatre
Alessandra Hồng Duyên Zavagno
Outreach & Partnerships Producer, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
Beccy D'Souza
Artist Development Producer, Nottingham Playhouse
Ben Alexander Anderson
Creative & Executive Director, Lincoln Arts Centre & Barbican Creative Hub (University of Lincoln)
Connor Allen
Founder & CEO, LOYALTY Arts
Franny Rafferty
Senior Producer, Theatre Royal Plymouth
Kat Joyce
Co-Artistic Director & Co-CEO, Tangled Feet
Vanessa Maria Mirza
Artist, curator & Founder-Director, Dance Bridges
In their words
“Being selected feels particularly special, as the fellowship recognises the legacy of someone whose brilliance and generosity blazed a trail. I'm excited to learn alongside the rest of this extraordinary cohort, with the space and support to imagine more boldly what my next chapter as a leader might look like.”
“Opportunities like this are so rare — to focus on your leadership and to take the time to equip yourself properly for the challenges and opportunities, to think hard about how you show up and how you can most effectively make your contribution. It's a formidable group of people who've been brought together to honour and continue the extraordinary energy and care which Imogen put out into the world.”
The Mentors
The eight mentors are Emma Brünjes, Jo Danvers, Georgia Gatti, Glenn Graham, James Grieve, Nia Janis, Nicholai La Barrie and James Mackenzie-Blackman. Together, they bring experience across theatre, dance, commercial producing, subsidised arts organisations and independent practice.
Emma Brünjes
Mentor
Jo Danvers
Mentor
Georgia Gatti
Mentor
Glenn Graham
Mentor
James Grieve
Mentor
Nia Janis
Mentor
Nicholai La Barrie
Mentor
James Mackenzie-Blackman
Mentor
“We were in awe of the applications we received for the Fellowship — our industry is full of exceptional talent. The Fellows reflect that breadth, while sharing the qualities at the heart of the Fellowship: generosity, curiosity, ambition and a desire to make a difference. We came away from our launch supper completely invigorated by the energy, vision and ambition of the Fellows. Imogen loved nothing more than a deep discussion about theatre over dinner. She would have relished this gathering and left feeling excited and full of hope for the future.”
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