KUKURA
the KUKURA programme is currently fully booked
KUKURA is an inclusivity development programme. It enables organisations to take meaningful steps to improve racial representation. As a result, they commit to changing their working culture for good.
An expression drawn from two Shona words meaning ‘to grow’, KUKURA actualises genuine long-term change within the arts industry, improving approaches to representation and inclusivity.
KUKURA enables participants to experience new ways of working. These build a fresh learning culture within their organisation, leaving everybody better equipped to champion and broaden engagement long term.
We call this the KUKURA method. It is based on Tangle’s ‘ubuntu’ value: a Nguni Bantu philosophy sometimes translated as ‘I am because we are.’
Our 2022 KUKURA partners are MAST Mayflower Studios, Pegasus Theatre, and Mayflower Theatre.
KUKURA enables organisations to take meaningful steps to improve inclusivity and racial representation. As a result, they commit to changing their working culture for good.
HOW IT WORKS
Each participating organisation follows the KUKURA FOUNDATION PROGRAMME, a reflective and evaluative series of activities developed for their staff, to be delivered over an agreed timescale (usually between 9-12 months).
FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
EXPLORATION SESSION
This is a 2-hour workshop, preceded by a questionnaire completed in advance of the session by participating staff, which is summarised, anonymised, and forms the basis for discussion.
After the Exploration Session staff meet with Tangle’s facilitators to agree aims and actions and to design their bespoke activity programme.
TALKING FORUMS
Regular Talking Forums, curated by Tangle’s team, offer participating organisations a collective ‘safe space’ to talk openly about experiences, track progress and adapt actions whilst the activity programme takes place.
reflection SESSION
This is a two-hour workshop, preceded by a post-project questionnaire completed in advance of the session by participating staff and key members of the organisation’s communities.
After the Reflection Session staff meet with Tangle’s facilitators to analyse progress and identify future actions.
KUKURA+
As well as undertaking the Foundation Programme, KUKURA participating organisations have the option to work with Tangle on a range of additional activities.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Opportunities to engage with Tangle’s communities through our TANGLESPACE events in London and Swindon, where artists of all kinds meet, connect, and share creative ideas.
SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
Working with Tangle to strengthen and broaden off-stage representation by taking part in our AMPLIFY career development scheme for Global Majority freelancers.
AUDIENCES
Options to book Tangle’s upcoming touring productions and to host R&D activities in the lead-up, enriching community interest.
BENEFITS
By establishing a shared language of understanding, KUKURA enables participating organisations to gain cultural confidence, grow competence and unravel particular challenges. Involvement progresses inclusivity goals, embeds strong, unbiased employment practices and provides a body of knowledge and learning around inclusion and representation for use in the long term.
Nurturing positive relationships with local creative people and communities
Identifying and engaging a new, more inclusive talent pool
Opening up communication with audiences who have not been reached
Finding out about new creative practices
Building local and regional partnerships
Engendering a sense of belonging and community cohesion
WHAT OUR PARTNERS SAY
“KUKURA affords a vital opportunity for Prime to increase inclusivity and audience development learning, raise workforce visibility, and test the impact of programming innovative performance works. This will build traction with young people who may not have previously seen themselves reflected in our work. KUKURA is a vital stepping stone towards achieving this.”
Mark Powell, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Prime Theatre, Swindon
“Our initial consultation with Tangle offered us the flexibility that we need as an organisation and a process to forge a genuine partnership with mutual benefit. Working with Tangle helps us to offer impactful opportunities to engage with new and existing audiences for long term benefit.”
Nadia Rich, Producer, Pegasus Theatre, Oxford
“By engaging with the KUKURA activity programme we are able to raise visibility in our workforce by providing new role models for participation activities. KUKURA enables us to work closely with Tangle over a sustained period of time to grow our inclusivity ambitions and plan further work in the long term.”
Sara Scott, Executive Director, MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton
