30/5/2022

Co-Artistic Directors To Step Down

Freedom Studios co-artistic directors, Alex Chisholm and Aisha Khan, step down after 7 years.

Alex Chisholm and Aisha Khan, co-Artistic Directors of Freedom Studios, will be stepping down this summer after 7 successful years, to pursue other creative projects. Alex and Aisha joined Freedom Studios in 2015 bringing with them a new leadership model to the Bradford theatre company. Alex and Aisha renewed Freedom Studios commitment to nurture new artists in Bradford through an expanded programme of artistic development, play commissions, productions and a free youth theatre.

Under Alex and Aisha joint leadership, Freedom Studios has supported over 100 artists and produced and toured over 8 new plays. These include the critically acclaimed When We Were Brothers by Ben Tagoe and Adelle Stripe’s Black Teeth and A Brilliant Smile, a dramatisation of Andrea Dunbar’s life adapted by Lisa Holdsworth which was chosen as one of The Observers’ Best Shows 2019. Freedom Studios was also an early adopter of digital technologies, exploring the impact on traditional theatre and live performance through productions like Tajinder Singh Hayer’s North Country and Kamal Kaan’s Aaliyah (After Antigone).

Alex Chisholm said:
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be part of Freedom Studios over the last 7 years. Working alongside brilliant Bradford artists and people such as Kamal Kaan, Tanya Vital, and Natalie Davies has given me so much joy and inspiration. I look forward to seeing all the excellent work the company does next.”

Aisha Khan said:
“Being at the helm of Freedom Studios has been an unforgettable experience. The opportunity to support numerous artists, young people and to have been able to work with an amazing and dedicated team has been a real privilege. This is an exciting time for Bradford and for Freedom Studios – I will continue to champion both, as my time with the company has only deepened my passion for this vibrant place and the people who make it.”

Anj Handa, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added:
“Over the last seven years, Freedom Studios has worked to build itself to the strong position it is in today. Our decisions are made with confidence, knowing that we have the skills, systems and policies, and well-managed finances to deliver our creative work to a high standard.

Freedom Studios has received acclaim in the national press for its productions, and respect from peers for its commitment to nurturing creative talent and providing opportunities and stepping-stones to people typically under-represented in the arts. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of Alex and Aisha and their relationship with the Board of Trustees. We move forward towards our next chapter with a sense of positivity for all that has been achieved, and what is possible in the future.”