Vital Xposure is a disabled-led touring theatre company that promotes hidden voices with extraordinary stories to tell.
The company was founded by disabled artist and activist Julie McNamara, who led the company’s creative work and artistic vision for its first decade. From January 2021, the torch has been passed on to actor, playwright and activist, Simon Startin.
Our Vision
A fairer world for marginalised artists to become creative leaders, with their work celebrated in the heart of our culture.
Our Mission
- We will create new, innovative performances and projects relevant to and representative of our communities.
- We will engage audiences with previously hidden stories to broaden understanding of our society and ourselves.
- We will remove barriers for d/Deaf, disabled and Neurodivergent artists, to increase their skills, confidence, and visibility both nationally and internationally.
- Our inclusive disabled-led work will bring positive change, through sector leadership, creative collaborations, and intersectional practice.
Our Values
Social Justice, Excellence, Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration
Showreel editor: Phil Bearman, Creative Media Solutions
Click here to watch the showreel with audio description (a new page opens on YouTube)
Vital Xposure was founded in 2011, the following year we became an Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO). We are grateful for the public investment we have received and we continue to be an NPO for the funding period 2018 – 2022. We are also thankful to City Bridge Trust, Without Walls and The Funding Network for supporting our work.
We are a registered Charity (No 1161464) and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales (No 07488858).
We are a member of the Independent Theatre Council (ITC) and of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
We promote the full participation into the arts of disabled, d/Deaf and Neurodivergent individuals and people excluded from or under-represented in society and the arts.
Our team is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive and collaborative environment in all our productions, where artists feel supported through their own professional and creative journey with us:
“I have really enjoyed my time with Wellspring, as I feel now that my writing is enhanced by my autistic experience rather than limited by it. It was really refreshing to be asked to engage with what I like, enjoy, and wish to see, and to feel able to have fun and enjoy my work.”
Paula Brett, Wellspring Writer
“The conversations we had really helped me to better understand myself and where I stand in the industry as an early-career disabled artist, and for that I am very grateful. Until this year, I mostly worked with abled people in abled spaces, and this year I’ve come to understand myself more as a disabled artist and I’ve found joy with working with other disabled people/ people and organisations that are understanding of the disabled experience.”
Jessica Carter, Freelancer/Researcher in Creative Freelancers: Shaping London’s Recovery Programme
“I found it made me realise that freedom to speak up about situations in rehearsal is really important.”
Fatima Niemogha, Actor
“Working with the crew of Vital Xposure has given me more confidence in myself and in being myself with various other projects that I have or will be part of.”
Eden West, Actor
“I love working with Vital Xposure. I feel valued and respected. The work is ground-breaking, inspiring, political and creative. It is rare for me to work in an environment in which I feel so safe, where there is an awareness of discrimination and a commitment to working inclusively.”
Deni Francis, Actor
“Working with Vital Xposure has raised the bar in terms of working relationships. I now want to work with people, not professionals, but people who know that the song, the tears and blood are part of the story making, people who are fierce in their caring and dreaming, folks with heart and integrity.”
Vital Xposure commissioned writer
