REMOVING THE GLASS CEILING AND REACHING BEYOND THE SKY
Setting a new paradigm for the representation of dance.
PRODUCTIONS
Working with black and global majority female artists, whether as individual artists, or under their own registered company, we support producing small, medium, and large-scale dance productions and touring them nationally (UK) and internationally.
Learn more about our productions here.
DEVELOPMENT
We support the development and leadership readiness for black and global majority female administrators (directors, managers, producers, coordinators etc.). Through exposure of international marketplaces, contexts, and like-minded communities, we create bespoke networking programmes and mentorship opportunities.
Learn more about the artists we work with here.
AUDIENCES
We work towards breaking down barriers to encourage greater inclusion and engagement of diverse audiences within the arts. By highlighting work in which black and global majority audiences may feel an aligned cultural, heritage, or self-identifiable relatability, we aim to spark interest, increase knowledge, and create access opportunities.
Learn more about our work in audience development here.
Team
Executive Producer & CEO
Grace Okereke has been in the dance sector for nearly two decades, with her career evolving from performer and teacher to manager, with the latter being the predominant role. She has transitioned between an employed and freelance capacity spanning a wide range of activities, predominately on a national pan-European and international level. As a producer Grace works across performance productions, touring, fundraising and strategic development.
Grace has founded her own company, Uprise Rebel, which supports Black female choreographers and administrators, as well as developing inclusive audiences. The overarching aim is to challenge the structures and hierarchal archetype that currently is in place, and to set a new paradigm for the representative faces of the contemporary dance sector. Within Uprise Rebel, Grace is Executive Producer for Alleyne Dance, Alesandra Seutin Vocab Dance and Uchenna Dance.
Outside of her work with Uprise Rebel Grace works as an independent producer for organisations such Dance 4, Birmingham International Dance Festival, Horizon Showcase, Diverse City and more.
Grace holds a BA in Dance and a MA in Arts Policy and Management. She is also currently under a Fellowship with ISPA (international Society of Performing Arts), representing England.
Marketing Manager
Georgia Gerson is a contemporary art historian, PhD Candidate, and freelance marketing manager based in London.
Georgia graduated with a Ba(Hons) and an MA in the History of Art from the University of East Anglia in 2015. Her skills and knowledge in marketing and communications were acquired whilst working in a leading international contemporary commercial art gallery for 4 years of progressive experience.
Outside of her work with Uprise Rebel, Georgia is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of York. Her research project is concerned with the art historical and sociological implications of new interventions into the contemporary art market.
Assistant Producer
Amina Onitilo is currently based in Seoul, South Korea to pursue a MA in Arts Management. Previously she worked as a freelance Creative Producer in London specialising in community arts & culture events, and was also a part of the Co-Production Team for V&A South Kensington’s Celebrating Windrush: Tracing A Living Legacy display.
Image top: Uchenna Dance, The Head Wrap Diaries - Fierce and Free, © Foteini Christofilopoulou.