Sarah Blowers is to step down as Co-Artistic Director of Strike A Light. Since co-founding Strike A Light in 2013, Sarah has led with ambition and drive, bringing endless integrity, skill and vision to her work and a fierce passion for the world-class creative potential of our city and its communities.
Everyone, regardless of their background, should be able to experience and take part in world-changing arts and culture. Sarah has been at the heart of that belief, championing under-represented voices, supporting diverse artists and encouraging young people to dream big. Sarah has connected and brought people together to co-create brilliant live performance such as Hidden Voices in Matson with GL4, Hungry Nation, for Strike a Light/Coventry City of Culture and I Stand for What I Stand On with four young climate strikers and a global digital cast. Behind the scenes, she has worked tirelessly: advocating for Strike A Light and its communities with stakeholders, supporting talent development and securing vital funding. She was also pivotal in the inception of GL4, of which she remains a director.
Sarah says: “After 11 years, I have made the decision to step down as founder and Co-Artistic Director of Strike A Light. It has been a rollercoaster: an exhilarating, brilliant ride from the first festival in September 2013 to the present day. My decision to step away and down has been a carefully considered one; I believe that arts organisations need new blood, new ideas and opportunities for new leaders to come in and shape the future. I am excited to see what is next for Strike A Light.
“Back in 2013. Starting Strike A Light was an exciting proposition. Incubated by Create Gloucestershire, working with Battersea Arts Centre and Ali Heywood from Stand and Stare to produce the first festival in Blackfriars in Gloucester was a challenge. We were warned that getting an audience in Gloucester could prove hard but that wasn’t the case. Our first festival was a sold-out event with a feast for over 100 people, a roaring fire outside and excellent, excellent theatre. By the time that the second festival happened the Strike A Light team had grown, and Emma-Jane Benning, who I consider my work wife, came on board as Co-Artistic Director; dream team. The first few years were fast and furious, growing our team, securing funds, working with young people and making and programming fantastic, affordable shows in Gloucester.”
“When we began, we were ambitious for Gloucester at a time when the city and its communities did not have the place on the cultural map they deserved. Some worried that the city was still not ready but I disagreed then and I disagree now. Gloucester was and is ready for world-class events: it’s full of talented artists and now a growing host of organisations in the city all committed to developing a rich cultural offer.”
“There are so many highlights to look back on including, the flash mob with over 200 dancers and an audience of 1500 people for the Rugby World Cup, the beginning of the GL4 festival, the growth of the participation department, the shows that we made and programmed and the fun, laughter, sweat and tears that we all experienced. Thank you Strike A Light for the best 11 years of my working life. I am inordinately proud of what we have all achieved together and can’t wait to cheer on the next chapter.”
10 October 2024
Strike A Light 