Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, our Head of Creative Partnerships at Birmingham Hippodrome, has been named the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year at the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards. She took the top prize after winning the Creative Arts and Culture category.

Zaylie leads our education, community, talent development and access work. She develops new partnerships, models for creative consultancy and income generation. She is also a consultant and programme Director for Frameless, the largest permanent multi-sensory experience in the UK. She recently provided consultancy and producing expertise to the Cultural, Schools and Legacy teams for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Her work is rooted in enabling and supporting young creatives, artists, schools and communities of our city and region, in particular those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds.  This work has included developing and growing the Hippodrome Education Network (HEN), the largest bespoke theatre education programme in the region, which currently works with 44 of the most economically and culturally deprived Primary, Secondary and SEN schools in Birmingham and the West Midlands. The HEN programme brings the curriculum to life, supports young people’s wellbeing, confidence and life skills.

Zaylie also developed our Young Advocates programme, working with young people to change the face of our artists, audiences and workforce for the future, whilst establishing the group as a central, ongoing voice in the organisation’s development.

Judges commented that Zaylie “showed mastery of her craft, whilst clearly understanding how her impact can continue to benefit the city and its people.”

Zaylie added: “I have always believed passionately in the power of the arts, culture and creativity to positively impact lives, strengthen and develop talent and transform communities.

“I have spent my career working closely with young people and communities, developing projects which have empowered individuals to make a change in their lives.”

Congratulations Zaylie!