Liverpool disability and deaf arts organisation DaDa reveals changes to its leadership team after celebrating its 40th anniversary. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool disability and deaf arts organisation DaDa has announced the appointment of Ben Haslam as chief executive and Faye Christiansen as operations manager.
This represents a “significant expansion” of its leadership team. These appointments come at a landmark moment for DaDa, following its renewed confirmation as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and its 40th anniversary in 2025.
That was marked by DaDaFest International 40 ‘Rage – A Quiet Riot’. Together, these milestones reflect DaDa’s national impact, long-term vision, and continued commitment to advancing disability and deaf-led arts practice.
Ben joins DaDa as chief executive and artistic director from University Centre Peterborough, bringing a track record in theatre making, accessible vocational education and training, academia, and advocacy for both disability and employment rights.
His appointment signals DaDa’s ambition to build on four decades of pioneering work while scaling its influence, partnerships, and advocacy for disabled and Deaf artists locally, nationally, and internationally.
“I am thrilled to join DaDa at a pivotal moment in its history,” said Ben. “Following the success of DDFI40 and 40 years of disabled artistry, advocacy, and change, our focus now turns to building a sustainable, resilient future that matches our creative ambition.
“My goal is to ensure DaDa remains a national leader in disability arts, not just by challenging barriers, but by creating a professional infrastructure where disabled and Deaf artists can produce their most rigorous and uncompromising work.”
Faye Christiansen steps in as new operations manager, returning to DaDa after 15 years of widening her experience across the sector. Faye brings extensive experience in arts and inclusive practice.
This role has been introduced to support DaDa’s growing programme of activity and to ensure robust, people-centred systems that enable artists and staff to thrive.
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Ben and Faye will be working alongside long-standing executive producer Rachel Rogers who leads on DaDa’s creative programme and has helped the organisation to expand its funding profile over the last year, securing a future for its Young Ensemble project.