Candoco
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Staff & Board

Meet our lively and passionate team behind the scenes.
Candoco is the sum of many parts. The individuals that make up our Staff and Board are essential to ensure the smooth running of the company.

We might be a small team but we make a big impact. Bringing skills from a variety of industries and backgrounds, the Staff and Board at Candoco is a devoted group of individuals committed to making excellent productions and learning experiences. The team is dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our audiences and participants and  providing a safe and comfortable environment in which our dancers and artists can work.

Staff

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Will Bridgland

Producer (Productions & Touring)

Will joins Candoco as a producer who works across contemporary dance and performance practices. Previously he has worked internationally as a dance artist, and most recently has worked for The Place and DanceEast alongside a freelance producing practice.
0207 704 6845
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Lucie Mirkova

Head of Programme

Lucie is an arts manager, programmer and curator with over twenty years’ experience working in the dance and performance sector. As the new Head of Programme, Lucie will implement a programming strategy that aligns with Candoco’s vision, mission and values.
0207 704 6845
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Melanie Precious

Executive Director

Melanie joins Candoco from her previous role as CEO and Creative Director at Greenwich Dance, bringing a wealth of senior leadership experience within the dance sector - including Protein Dance, The Place, and Dance East.
020 7704 6845
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Louisa Sutherland

Producer (Learning & Engagement)

Louisa's main responsibilities at Candoco are developing, producing and supporting the practical delivery of Candoco's learning, training and artist development work.
0207 704 6845
Lucy White. A white woman with red hair and glasses

Lucy White

Marketing & Audiences Lead (Interim)

Lucy is an arts marketing specialist with nearly 20 years experience in the industry. A large amount of that time was spent at Sadler's Wells where she led the marketing for the venue's in house productions. She is temporarily covering the role of communications.

Strategic Consultancy

Davina Ebikeme

Partnerships

Davina works with Candoco to build partnerships with people and organisations who share our belief that disabled makers and their work deserve to be celebrated and seen.

Lynda Harwood-Compton – Latch Fundraising

Fundraising Consultant

Lynda is an award-winning fundraising consultant with international experience working with charities to develop and grow their income.

Nadine Patel

Creative Consultant

A creative consultant with over 30 years of experience supporting artists and arts organisations, Nadine works across borders and barriers, bringing expertise in facilitation, evaluation, strategic planning, and policy.

Robert Filkins – IT4Arts

IT Consultant

A familiar face to organisations and charities across the arts sector, Robert provides IT advice and support to Candoco, from Google Drive and email to backups, new users, and everything in between.

Caroline Sharp

External Financial Advisor

Caroline worked with us to review and strengthen our finance procedures, and continues to support us on an ad hoc basis, providing expert advice and support on all things charity finance, working closely with the Executive Director and FreshEyes Finance.

FreshEyes Finance

Accountancy & Bookkeeping

Candoco outsources its finance function to FreshEyes Finance, an organisation led by Brian Dorgan FCCA.

Purple Goat

Marketing Agency

An inclusive marketing agency working with some of the biggest brands in the world to create incredibly representative, innovative and authentic marketing campaigns.

Robert James

Press & PR

Robert is a communications consultant specialising in dance. With over 13 years’ experience, he has worked with some of the world’s leading arts and cultural organisations. He is temporarily covering the role of communications with Lucy White.

Board

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Toni Adebajo

Volunteer Secretary

Toni is a freelance access consultant with an MA in Arts and Cultural Management from King’s College, combining legal and arts expertise with a strong commitment to accessibility, equity, and anti-colonial practices.
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Maria Anastase

Board Member

Maria is a passionate supporter of the arts, with an extensive career leading Risk Management, Sustainability Strategy, and Corporate Social Responsibility functions in the international corporate and investment banking sector.
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Ben Evans

Board Member

Ben is a disabled arts manager and accessible cultural policy consultant. Following 12 years working for the British Council, Ben is now the Project Director of Europe Beyond Access, the world’s largest trans-national Arts & Disability programme.
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Rachel Evans

Board Member

Rachel has extensive experience working as an engagement producer and consultant for numerous arts organisations, touring companies, festivals, charities and for the local government. 
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Sarah Howard

Board Member

Sarah’s career has spanned three decades across the world of theatre and dance, including Sadler’s Wells, Park Theatre, Unlimited, 2012 Cultural Olympiad and Candoco - managing its education programme from 2000 to 2006.
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Beth Lewis

Board Member

Beth is an experienced HR and leadership development professional, executive coach, and former HR Director. Passionate about inclusion and equity, Beth supports individuals and organisations to thrive through purposeful people practices.
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Kez Margrie

Board Member

Kez brings her extensive experience at the BBC in directing, producing and commissioning TV content to the Candoco Board. She is a multi-award-winning content creator with a commitment to working with those who are underrepresented in the arts.
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Patrick McGeough

Board Member & Vice Chair

Patrick has worked within the exercise, movement, and dance sectors, drawing on his knowledge and lived experience as a participant, instructor, and CEO in the field.
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Ash Nandi

Board Member & Treasurer

Ash is an Investment Researcher at a bulge bracket Investment Bank and a qualified Chartered Accountant. She was appointed as Candoco's Trustee and Treasurer in June 2024 and was matched to the role by RIAC.
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Kirsten Vaughan

Board Member

Kirsten’s career has covered private, public and charity sectors with a focus on people and operational efficiency. Her experience covers service improvement, transformation and project management.
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Sharon Watson MBE DL

Board Member & Chair

Sharon Watson MBE, DL, is a trailblazing figure in the world of contemporary dance, celebrated for her exceptional contributions as CEO and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.