Genesis Foundation 25th Anniversary Showcase

Posted on by Elysia Krish

(c: Alistair Veryard Photography)

We celebrated our 25th Anniversary at the Royal Court Theatre on Sunday 19 April, with a showcase from Genesis programme participants and partners, past and present.

From the Royal Court Theatre, Artistic Directors past and present – Stephen Daldry and David Byrne – spoke about the start of the Genesis partnership which began more than 25 years ago with the International Playwrights’ Programme, and the latest works commissioned and developed through the new Genesis Next Generation Programme.

Tiffany Graves (Matilda, Kiss Me Kate, Chicago) gave an exclusive performance from The Witches, showcasing our Genesis Music Theatre Programme, which the National Theatre’s Director Indhu Rubasingham introduced.

The Almeida Theatre’s Young Company performed an excerpt from Ava Pickett’s award-winning 1536, developed through the Genesis New Playwrights, Big Plays Programme. Ava herself spoke about the value of her time as a Genesis writer and how it facilitated the success of the play, which has now transferred to the West End.

Finally, Harry Christophers and The Sixteen with Genesis Sixteen alumni, performed a Genesis commission, Voices of Angels by Millicent B James which is now available on Spotify. 

For those of you who missed out on the showcase, we shall be releasing the full video footage. In the meantime, please take a look at our 25th Anniversary booklet.

Genesis Pathways Programme launches to foster inclusivity within the museum and heritage sector

Posted on by Elysia Krish

(c Mike Wornell)

The Genesis Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the brand new Genesis Pathways Programme, in partnership with the William Morris Gallery. The new programme is an innovative initiative aimed at fostering more inclusive pathways into the museum and heritage sector.

This two-year programme brings together an emerging local curator and a newly recruited mentee from William Morris Gallery’s local community in Waltham Forest. A structured mentorship and buddy system will enable professional development, build confidence, and encourage sustained engagement within the museum and heritage sector.

The initiative aims to directly combat the persistent under-representation within the sector, by offering a paid traineeship for individuals who may not have the financial means to undertake postgraduate curatorial training.In addition to acquiring practical curatorial skills through immersive work with William Morris Gallery’s collection, the trainee will gain access to professional networks and relationships with leading institutions such as the Courtauld, Royal Academy, National Gallery, and V&A.

Grounded in a peer-to-peer learning approach, the programme will encourage progressive skill-sharing within the heritage sector. As participants progress, they will be supported to step into mentoring roles themselves, fostering a sustainable cycle of opportunity, growth and empowerment.

John Studzinski CBE, Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Foundation, said:

“The Genesis Foundation has been investing for over 25 years in the careers of exceptional creative professionals, enabling them to develop their skills, networks and resilience. We are proud to launch the Genesis Pathways Programme with William Morris Gallery, our first new initiative in this important anniversary year for the Foundation. Hadrian Garrard, a previous recipient of the Genesis Foundation Prize is a mentoring role model in this industry. The mentor-mentee relationship is at the core of the Genesis Foundation model; this new programme will play a part in addressing the crucial need for curatorial positions to be open to all, regardless of their economic circumstances.”

Hadrian Garrard, Director of William Morris Gallery, remarked:

“This generous support from the Genesis Foundation enables us to instil a more sustainable, peer-led approach to talent development. By creating supported pathways into museum careers for individuals from our local community, we are investing not only in their individual potential but also in the future resilience and relevance of the heritage sector.”

Cllr Rosalind Doré, Cabinet Member for Culture, Libraries and Sport & Leisure, London Borough of Waltham Forest, said:

 “This programme represents a meaningful step in widening access to cultural careers for residents in Waltham Forest. By investing in emerging talent and creating structured pathways into the heritage sector, we’re helping ensure that our cultural institutions reflect the diversity, creativity and potential of our community.”

Applications will open at the end of February 2026 – More details to be announced soon.

Find out more about the Genesis Pathways Programme.

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