Artist profile
Glenys Xavier
Development Programme artist Glenys Xavier is a Theatre Performer and Facilitator who has worked for many years with children and young adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and those on the Autism Spectrum.
Through a collaborative approach with companies such as Bamboozle Theatre Company she has been able to develop a sensory based practice, drawing together her skills and experience as a performer, maker and massage therapist.
Now, Glenys is interested in developing her practice as a Theatre Creator, continuing to support children and young people to connect with their own inner truths, their imaginations, and a range of cultural experiences through theatrical experiences.
Interview with Glenys
How would you describe your art form?
I am an actor and this infiltrates all of my creative collaborations and theatrical pseudonyms, whether that be puppeteering, singing, or storytelling.
What fascinates you about making work for children?
Firstly, I get to be me! And through the art of theatre, performing and creating characters – it’s the excitement that I can be a fuel for igniting young imaginations and instilling the idea that we are all creative beings.
If you could change one thing in the arts world, what would it be?
I would change the idea that Art is exclusive. Art is for everyone – as Art is in everyone.
The Vital Spark behind everything we do
We believe that all children should be able to experience arts and culture, and that they should be able to see themselves represented in these experiences. This is not yet the case for every child and we’re committed to changing that.
Our response is Vital Spark, and it's at the heart of everything we do. Vital Spark is about challenging and changing the lack of diversity in children’s arts and culture; it’s about diverse-led artistic decision making; it’s about not being afraid to stand up for what’s right.
We do this by supporting artists who are currently underrepresented in children’s arts and culture. We also work with partner organisations to create world-class opportunities for these artists and share best practice.
