A fond farewell to Kazzum's Executive Director, Lauren Irving!
Lauren worked at Kazzum for over 12 years, beginning as a volunteer and working her way through the organisation until she became the Executive Director and Co-CEO in 2017.
During this time she lead the organisation through multiple challenges and changes: transitioning from a theatre-focussed outdoor arts company, to the multidisciplinary arts organisation we are today. Her leadership responded to the Refugee Crisis, Covid19 Pandemic and Cost of Living crisis and her collaborative approach helped to re-build our organisation with a vision for trauma-informed futures fuelled by creativity and connection.
In July 2025 Lauren will be leaving Kazzum to take on a new role at Community Arts NorthWest based in Manchester, where we are sure her brilliant work in participatory arts and creative health will go from strength to strength. We will miss her deep intuition, passion for social justice and unwavering care for everyone in Kazzum's community, but before she says her final farewells we thought to sit down and reflect what she’s learnt over the years with Kazzum...
What initially drew you to Kazzum Arts?
I was drawn to Kazzum’s commitment to inclusive practice and their site specific productions for young audiences.
What can you remember about your first day with Kazzum?
Eek I can’t LOL! I do remember the interview as I was going to a Kings of Leon concert in Hyde park, so I turned up in wellies.
What has been your top 3 highlights whilst working at Kazzum Arts?
1. Working with incredible people and sharing a belief in the power of the arts to transform lives.
2. My involvement in Brighter Futures – Seeing young people thrive and eating round the table.
3. Kazzum becoming recognised as a leader in trauma informed participatory arts with children and young people.
How have you seen the organisation change?
Kazzum has had many iterations but has always held children and young people at the heart of what it does.
During my time at Kazzum the organisation has moved away from being audience-focussed and instead prioritised participatory projects with young people. This has enabled greater opportunities for co-production, change and impact.
What has been your biggest challenge at Kazzum Arts?
Navigating change! Changes to funding, people, partners, the economy and the environment. When we say no day is the same, we really mean no day is the same.
You have shaped so many different parts of the organisation. What are you most proud of having implemented at Kazzum Arts?
Why thank you! Hard to choose one thing…
Creating and embedding a culture which nurtures, supports and centres the voices and experiences of children and young people and values its people.
Leading on the evolution of the Pathways programme and engagement in Refugee week which has seen thousands of children and young people engage, learn and share.
Being part of Kazzum’s trauma-informed journey and leading on operational changes to embed the approach within the organisation.
What advice would you give to your younger self navigating the role of Executive Director for the first time?
· Quality over quantity – It’s not about the numbers your reach or how many workshops you deliver. It’s about the impact you have in spaces with children and young people.
· Collaboration is key – whether it’s with children and young people, partners, staff or trustees, holding space to collaborate encourages shared understanding, passion and connection.
· Listen and learn – You might not always get it right but embrace opportunities to learn.
· Trust your gut – intuition can help with quick decision making, navigating complex situations and often enhances creativity.
What is the biggest learning that you will take away from your time at Kazzum Arts?
The power of creativity as a tool for healing, connection and advocacy. Working alongside children and young people, navigating complex challenges has deepened my understanding of how the arts can support children and young people to have agency in their lives.
I’ve also learned the importance of leading with care and integrity. In a space where the work is deeply human and often complex, I’ve learned that compassionate leadership grounded in listening, honesty and trust is essential to creating lasting impact and creating a culture which encourages creativity, confidence and resilience both in children and young people and the team.
What do you hope to see from Kazzum in 10 year's time?
· Further recognition of the approach and its impact
· Greater reach
· More involvement from young people throughout the organisation
What’s on the horizon for your own future?
I will be joining Community Arts Northwest (CAN) in the role of General Manager. CAN work with urban communities in Greater Manchester to create access to cultural opportunities where people can stand up, speak out, challenge social justice issues and inspire change.
I am looking forward to continuing my commitment to socially engaged arts and working with communities to create powerful, transformative work.
Last one... If Kazzum was an animal, what would it be?
LOL um…an ant. Known for their team work, strength, communication skills and resilience. Small but mighty just like Kazzum!
Kazzum's staff team, artists and trustees would like to thank Lauren for all her work, and wish her all the best on the next stage of her adventure! Go Lauren!!!