Clean Break names inaugural associate company in bid to ‘champion new talent’

Playwright Lucy Kirkwood, a Clean Break patron and contributing artist, said she was "so proud of the company" for supporting writers "so enthusiastically".

"As a Clean Break writer myself, I know how much a commission from this company can inspire, support and challenge you and I can’t wait to see the work that comes out of this," Kirkwood added.

Meanwhile, Nubian CoheARTs, a Black women-led theatre company formed by Jennifer Joseph, Eddy Queens and Nicole Hall, is to gain access to free rehearsal space, training, reading and development opportunities and support from Clean Break’s artistic leadership, thanks to the organisations’ newly-established relationship.

The three Nubian CoheARTs founders are all former students and current members of Clean Break, with the group writing: "We’re living proof that Clean Break changes lives, and will always be fierce ambassadors and contributors to the work."

"At a time when funding for the arts is in crisis, having the backing of a company like Clean Break will be a great support to us in securing funding for our work," the team added.

Lakesha Arie-Angelo, associate artistic director at Clean Break, commented: "The founders of Clean Break were artists, women with entrepreneurial spirit and a hunger to have their stories heard. 

"Bursting with this same passion as our founders, we are delighted to welcome Nubian CoheARTs as our first ever associate company."

Arie-Angelo said that the package of announcements signalled the next steps in Clean Break’s journey to continue "championing new talent and offering opportunities for women from our membership, who have gone on to become artists in their own right".