About DAiSY
What is DAiSY?
DAiSY (DAiSYfest CIC) is an umbrella organisation which promotes and celebrates the works of disabled artists and disability arts organisations in Surrey.
The organisation strives to develop the South East as the lead region in the UK for disability and deaf cultural activity, making Surrey a welcoming and accessible place for all artists to practice.
DAiSY was founded as a steering group in 2011, initially with the intention of delivering festivals that celebrated the work of its members. DAiSY delivered DAiSYfest at Leatherhead Theatre in 2013 and then at GLive in 2014 and 2016.
Since this time DAiSY has changed the way it works to create a programme of activity which happens throughout the year. The focus has also shifted to encompass advocacy and training, whilst still keeping artistic delivery and networking at the heart of its delivery.
In 2020 DAiSY became DAiSYfest CIC, incorporating as a charitable organisation. During this year DAiSY also launched its Artist Commissioning scheme.
The DAiSY Team
Cara Flowers
Managing and Artistic Director
She/Her
Cara is the Managing and Artistic Director and is responsible for the overall running of DAiSY. As a Neurodiverse Artist herself she has nearly 20 years’ experience of working in the visual arts with an expertise in public and participatory art as both Artist and Producer.
Jasmine White
Freelance Project Mananger
She/Her
Jasmine (she/her) is the Operations and Development Manager at DAiSY. She is a creative producer, evaluation consultant and engagement specialist with 10 years of leading community-led programmes at cultural venues such as the Barbican and Science Gallery London. Her work is led by an interest in the possibilities of collective creative practices and radical pedagogy. Alongside her work as a freelance consultant, Jasmine develops public art with O.G Studios and is on the board of Modus Arts. As an artist, she explores ideas around ethical practices in socially-engaged work and oral histories relating to London’s squatting history.
Lucy Bliszko
Communications Manager
She/Her
Lucy is the communications manager for DAiSY. Lucy manages our online and in-print output for DAiSY whilst completing her MA at Central Saint Martins. For the last five years, her work has centered around arts participation, inclusion and creative learning. She’s worked for the national arts charity Outside In, and the amazing inclusive arts studio Blue Room. Recently her interests in nature and conservation have had an impact on her arts practice as a mixed media artist.
Martin Swan
Freelance Producer
He/Him
Martin is a Creative Director, Producer and Project Manager who works nationally and internationally to build networks for and increase the visibility of learning disabled and neurodivergent artists. Between 2017-2024 Martin ran the Explorers national programme of discourse and exhibitions for Turner Prize/Documenta 15 supported studio Project Art Works.
Laura Jones
She/Her
Laura Jones is a Trustee of DAiSY. She is a dance artist, based in South East England. As well as being Co-Artistic Director at Stopgap Dance Company she is also on the board of Trustees at East London Dance and English Folk Dance and Song Society.
Julie Hoyle
She/Her
Julie Hoyle is a Trustee of DAiSY. She is a contemporary printmaker and an award winning current exhibiting artist. Julie was the Founder and Director of Ochre Print Studio and Ochre PrintAble for 10 years, a truly inclusive print studio in Guildford.
Leah Zakss
She/Her
Leah is a trustee of DAiSY. Leah is a music specialist with over 25 years’ international experience managing tours, partnerships and creative collaborations. For the British Council she developed international connections with Drake Music, Attitude is Everything, Paraorchestra, Unlimited and many disabled artists. She is a freelance consultant, a former Trustee of London Arts and Health, and a qualified horticulturalist interested in art that explores our relationship with plants, gardens and the natural world.
Kate Carmichael
She/Her
Kate is a trustee of DAiSY. She is a creative access producer with over 15 years’ experience in the cultural sector. Kate has managed funding schemes, run national campaigns, and designed more inclusive operational processes. She holds an MA in Cultural Policy with a focus on inclusive operations and governance, and is both an Attitude is Everything Future Leader and a Soho Theatre alumnus. Kate has worked and volunteered with Theatres Trust, Wells Theatre Festival, Shape Arts, Spare Tyre and Fiery Bird. Drawing on her expertise and lived experience of disability, she is currently setting up an access consultancy to challenge ableist attitudes in the cultural sector.