MAYK enters a new chapter as Matthew Austin steps away from Co-Director role

Photo: Paul Blakemore

We have some important news to share.

After nearly 15 years as Co-Director of MAYK, Matthew will be stepping away from his role this summer. He’ll stay closely involved as a trustee, but this marks a big change for both of us, and for the organisation.

Here are a few words from Matthew:

“In 2011, Kate and I sat in a tiny office above an empty shop on College Green in Bristol and began to imagine a different kind of organisation. One rooted in care, in curiosity, in the thrill of watching something come alive in front of an audience. At this point, we’d already produced four editions of Mayfest – sleeves rolled up, hearts wide open – and MAYK became a way to continue that work, while carving out new ways to support artists and share their brilliance with the world. 

For nearly 14 years, I’ve had the deep privilege of co-leading this extraordinary organisation. It has been a while, joyful, often difficult, and always meaningful journey. And now, it’s time for me to step back, and for MAYK to begin its next chapter.

I wish I could say the world feels easier than when we started. But a decade of austerity and a pandemic have reshaped the landscape in ways none of us could have predicted. And still, through all of it, we kept making space. For risk, for joy, for artists to try new things, and for audiences to be changed by them. That’s what I hold close. That, and the beautiful, brave partnership I’ve had with my dear friend Kate. We’ve stood beside each other through everything. Moments of wonder, of heartbreak, of laughing so hard we cried. That partnership will always be part of me.

I’ll remain close by as a trustee of MAYK, supporting from a new position, as this small but mighty team continues doing what they do best: making space for the extraordinary.”

Kate will continue to lead MAYK as Artistic Director, supported by our brilliant team and board.

Kate says:

“I’ve tried to find a way not to couch this in terms of the word ‘journey’ because it’s been a bit hijacked by self-improvement speak. But I can’t find a better frame.

Things have their own movement. The forking of roads etc.

I feel so lucky to have adventured with Matthew in this way through our long collaboration and will miss him terribly. It’s a special, kind and instinctive partnership and one that has always taken fire from a fierce belief that art – making it, witnessing it, holding it, and participating in it actually does have the power to heal and challenge.

And so with pride and the strength of these deep roots that hold us, I look forward to continuing to steer MAYK with love and grit into the future. It feels in some ways more important than ever to hold on to spaces of conversation, and connection, experimentation, resistance, and play. I’ll commit to that.

Ever grateful to all of the artists, producers, curators, and audiences that are part of it all.”

MAYK has always been rooted in collaboration, care and the belief that live performance can bring people together in powerful, surprising ways. That hasn’t changed. 

Since its founding in 2011, MAYK has supported hundreds of artists and companies through residencies, commissions, and touring, and delivered nine editions of Mayfest, welcoming thousands of people from across Bristol, as well as audiences from around the UK and beyond. With partnerships and networks stretching across the UK and around the world, we’ve championed, developed and toured bold new works across all forms. MAYK is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Together with Kate, Matthew has played a key role in shaping many of MAYK’s landmark projects in collaboration with artists, communities, and partners. These include Of Riders and Running Horses with Still House, Sanctum with Situations and Theaster Gates as part of Bristol Green Capital 2015, and many other projects with artists including Jo Bannon, Caroline Williams, Sleepdogs, Firebird Theatre, Sam Halmarack, and Raquel Meseguer Zafe. Under his and Kate’s co-direction, Mayfest has become one of the UK’s most distinctive contemporary theatre festivals, bringing audiences unforgettable experiences in theatres, found spaces, and streets across Bristol. MAYK was also part of the team behind Horizon, the international showcase of performance at the Edinburgh festivals. 

MAYK is currently supporting a range of artist-led projects across Bristol and beyond. These include Confluence, a residency programme commissioned by Ginkgo Projects, inviting artists to explore the changing nature of Bristol city centre, and I Like It. What Is It?, a multi-year programme funded by Jerwood Arts supporting early-career artists to develop new performance; residencies at The MAYKING Space in St Anne’s; and the year-round producing of new work with artists from across the UK and internationally.

To everyone who’s been part of our story so far, thank you. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or found us more recently, we’re so grateful for your continued support, presence, and belief in what we do. We look forward to what comes next.