WE ARE FREE
TO CHANGE THE WORLD
A Dash Arts, ArtsAdmin & Fête of Britain Series
We Are Free To Change The World is a new series of three Dash Cafés exploring how artists and creative activists respond to the urgency of our times.
Through performance, film and conversation, each event, chaired by Dash Arts artistic director Josephine Burton, brings together creative voices to consider how we act - and how we do this together. A collaborative act between Artsadmin and Toynbee Studios resident, Dash Arts, the series also celebrates Dash Arts’ 20th birthday, and 18th year in the building, and part of the Fête of Britain
Framed around preparation, balance and movement, the series will make space for connection and reflection, for building or sharing tools and practices, and might be the starting point for something new we imagine together.
READY
Thursday 20 November, 6pm – 9pm - Toynbee Studios
How do we begin? What does it take to prepare for change—artistically, emotionally and politically?
The first event in the series explores the conditions that help artists and creative activists find their ground. Through performance, short film, and conversation, READY invites a range of perspectives on how we get ready: to listen, to make, to resist, and to come together.
We will be joined by
Bishi Bhattacharya – Artist, Composer and Producer
Lehni Lamide Davies – Artist, Creative Producer and Coach
Carole Cadwalladr - Author and Investigative Journalist
with performances by
Aïda Jamal – Artist
sTEADY
Thursday 22 January 2026, 6pm – 9pm - Toynbee Studios
What does it mean to stay balanced and grounded in a shifting world?
The second event considers how we maintain clarity, care and collaboration in the face of complexity. With a mix of live work and discussion, we’ll explore ways of navigating identity, power and creative tension—both within ourselves and in our communities.
STEADY is a chance to reflect on how we work—slowly, carefully, and with others.
We will be joined by
Natasha Walter – Writer and Campaigner
GO
Thursday 19 March 2026, 6pm – 9pm - Toynbee Studios
How do we move forward—and what are we moving towards?
The final Café in the series looks at what it means to take action. GO brings together artists, activists and thinkers whose work invites movement: outward, onward, and often together. Through shared conversation and creative performance, we’ll explore next steps—whether practical, political or imaginative.
We will be joined by
Clare Farrell
More guests will be announced soon!