We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chair following the hugely successful DaDaFest 2012. Jane Cordell, a leading expert on deafness and disability issues, will be taking up the post in December.

Jane’s substantial and varied international public, private and third sector experience, with 20 years as a disabled person with acquired profound deafness will help ensure increased mainstream recognition for DaDaFest as well as the appreciation for DaDaFest’s quality work. Jane is passionate about the arts and ensuring that they reach the widest possible audience.

Ruth Gould, CEO of DaDaFest said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Jane and excited about what she’ll be bringing to the organisation. It’s an exciting time for DaDaFest as we grow our partnerships both locally with businesses and organisations abroad.”

Jane Cordell said: “I’m really pleased to be joining DaDaFest as the organisations’ values and aims align with my own. We want to enable disabled people to fulfil their potential. The arts are the lifeblood of creativity and deaf and disabled arts bring a perspective on being human which pushes the boundaries of our understanding.”

Acting Chair Ann Wade said: “The board and I are delighted to have Jane join us. Her enthusiasm for the arts and its power to change people’s lives and the world they live in matches our ambitions for DaDaFest.”