Natalie Ibu, creative producer of East Midlands professional development programme In Good Company, has been appointed artistic director of Tiata Fahodzi, a British-African theatre company based in London.
In Good Company, set up in July 2014, is funded by the Arts Council and is run by Derby Theatre, Create Theatre in Mansfield and Embrace Arts in Leicester. It provides mentorship, masterclasses, business support and performance opportunities for East Midlands artists.
Natalie Ibu said, “it’s been an absolute joy starting In Good Company. I've been struck by how friendly, ambitious and committed the artists have been as we've got to know one another, dared to articulate our wildest creative dreams and made the most of all the opportunities in the region.
“It’s bittersweet to be leaving this lively community of artists who’ve welcomed me but I’m delighted to be leading Tiata Fahodzi into the future.”
Derby Theatre’s artistic director Sarah Brigham added, “the appointment is a testament to Natalie’s great talent, commitment and passion. We are of course very sad to be losing her from the region but the huge difference she’s made to artists in the East Midlands in such a short time has really allowed the scheme to start with a bang and we will ensure we continue this.”
She will join the company in December as it enters a residency at Watford Palace Theatre, giving it a creative home for the first time.