New leadership model for Mind the Gap

Mind the Gap has announced its Executive Director, JULIA SKELTON, and Artistic Director, JOYCE NGA YU LEE, will both step down as the learning disability performance and arts company prepares to launch a new leadership model.

The pair’s departure is part of an amicable succession plan that the company has developed over the past few months, led by its senior management team and the board.

Skelton joined Mind the Gap (MTG) in 1997 while Nga Yu Lee took up her post in 2010.

Reflecting on her time at MTG, Skelton said it had been “an honour and a privilege”.

“There’s never been a dull day here – always so much to do to try and affect positive change within the arts sector and wider society. It might have been quite a slog, to be honest, if I weren’t lucky enough to have worked with a succession of hugely talented, determined and fantastically creative colleagues.”

Joyce, who leaves to pursue her own projects including a PhD at the University of Leeds, added: "It has been an incredible journey – from arriving in the country 15 years ago as a working-class immigrant to becoming the Artistic Director of this pioneering organisation. 

“My departure isn't a goodbye; rather, it's a transition to a new chapter. I believe we are all moving towards a shared vision of a world where everyone is valued and nurtured equally. I am excited for what lies ahead, both for myself and for MTG.”

MTG Co-Chair LYNNE CARTER praised their contributions, saying: "We’ll all miss Julia and Joyce enormously. They have both given so much to Mind the Gap, skillfully steering the company through the very choppy waters of the pandemic and funding cuts. 

“Under their leadership, many, many people have been entertained and have had their eyes opened to what learning disabled and autistic people can achieve.”