It feels sad to be saying goodbye after 30 odd years working in the Arts Sector, with the last 10 running Daryl & Co, but the last few years have been tough. Whilst Daryl & Co has been busy over the years, with constant touring in the UK and overseas, as well as delivering so many great projects. Yet, unfortunately “busy” doesn’t always equal sustainable.
Whilst I have had an absolute blast creating work for young audiences, especially within the the outdoor arts, where I have always felt at home, welcomed and respected, I’ve come to the conclusion I need a new challenge in my life, to take a new direction, try something new and hopefully gain a little more security as I grow older.
So Daryl & Co will be closing its doors over the next few months.
I’m excited to share that I have already found that new challenge! I will be starting a new career within the Historic Royal Palaces delivering on their national programme specifically within specialist schools and providing heritage experiences to young disabled people, onsite, online and across the country. Developing more opportunities for young Disabled people to engage with the stories and history of the palaces.
So whilst my work within the arts may have come to an end, the core of my work will continue, but in a new space, with new opportunities and new ways of engaging with young Disabled people.
The arts sector has always been a hard place to survive, let alone thrive, but over the last few years it has become increasingly harder and becoming increasingly more under-resourced.
When I started Daryl & Co, 10 years ago, I said I would stop when I felt it was right..,. and I’m now at that stage. There are many reasons, such as the cost of living crisis and touring costs increasing year on year whist the performance fees stay the same, impacting on us providing good access and paying our staff a decent wage. The numerous funding applications being turned down due to volume of applicants rather than the quality of the work. The seemingly constant fighting for access, even though it’s 2026, alongside the uphill struggle with Access to Work. The list seems endless but all these combined has just made surviving increasingly more difficult, I just feel the system within the arts is currently broken for small companies like Daryl & Co.
I loved the last 30 years working within the arts and making work for Young audiences but the arts sector isn’t working for me anymore.
When I started Daryl & Co the sector was thriving, but now it has become increasingly problematic, Passion was the only thing that kept me going and now that has unfortunately worn thin.
It’s been a really hard decision to make, but one that totally feels right. I really am excited to take a new path in life, building on the skills I’ve gained in the arts over the last 30 years, and to discover new adventures, new possibilities and new passions.
It seems fitting that Daryl & Co was born in 2016 (although under a different name) with the creation of our show A Square World, which kick started this 10 year journey, and that our journey will also end with it. Our last outing as Daryl & Co will be presenting A Square World at Ricca Ricca Festival in Okinawa (Japan) at then end of July!
So to all of you who I have worked with, to the artists, the producers, the administrators, the access support workers, the programmers, the commissioners, the partners and most importantly, the young people… I can not say thank you enough!
You made the last 10 years at Daryl & Co an absolute joy!
Now I'm off to start on a brand new adventure and I really look forward to our paths crossing again in the future
DX
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