Born in Liverpool, Karen trained at the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, London in the early 80’s then returned to Liverpool to develop dance in a variety of ways. Having set up the dance and mime department for Second Out Theatre Workshop (1986), she went on to become Assistant Director at Cheshire Dance Workshop (1992-94) and until recently the Artistic Director of MDI (1994-2018). As Event Producer for Decibel PAS 2011, Karen worked with Arts Council England to promote a variety diverse artists based in the UK. A Graduate of Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU) in 2007 with an MA in Social Enterprise, Karen received a BMOBO for MDI’s community dance practice (2010) and in 2011 was a runner up for Merseyside Woman of the Year. She received an MBE, in The Queen’s New Year Honours List (2012) and has been awarded an Honorary Fellow of LJMU (2014).
I recently stepped down at Merseyside Dance Initiative (MDI) having led the organisation for 24 years. Throughout this time I have been passionate and committed to developing dance as an art form with professional makers and community participants.. I have been able to nurture and develop successfully artists, dance festivals and programmes. My skills and abilities have grown to respond to the various demands placed on leading an arts organisation and have helped to shape the role and direction of MDI over this time. I am a highly skilled producer and programmer and have instigated a variety of mini festivals and larger events. I have a particular interest in how art can engage with audiences and general public in particular. I am committed to celebrating and promoting diversity in all its forms. As a black woman, I’m aware of how prejudice and inequality can present obstacles and shape people’s perceptions.
