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Our manifesto

These words are shaped and voiced by the collective – reflecting who we are, what we do, and where we’re heading. 

Created by Phil Smethurst, Manchester Lights Media.

Manifesto Transcript

Uncurbed.  
It means to be free. 

Free of the shackles that have held disabled Artists
back too long.
Our ambitions are uncompromising.   
To grow something unprecedented.  
To see obstacles removed.
Hidden talent unearthed.
and attitudes changed.

We all challenge “the accepted”.
We push boundaries in what,
how and where we perform.
We ‘work past what you thought we couldn’t reach’.

The future is unwritten.
The opportunities are unlimited.
We work together
United.

Welcome to Uncurbed Collective.
Where you’re free to be, who you want to be.

our history

We began life as Proud & Loud Arts, founded in 2000 by a group of young disabled artists with a drive to create and perform.

Over time, we’ve grown – as people, as artists, and as a collective. Over the past 25 years, we’ve provoked conversation, challenged “the accepted”, told stories rarely seen in theatre, and built a collective of disabled artists who continue to reshape what art can be.

Our work, our ambitions, and our identity has evolved. In 2025, we chose a new name together: Uncurbed Collective. A name that speaks to unapologetic freedom, creativity, and a future we’re shaping together.

Meet the Ensemble

The Ensemble is the core creative team of Uncurbed Collective, collaborating on performances, workshops, and projects; co-leading decision-making and shaping artistic direction.

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Kelly Hoye

Ensemble Artist | Founder | Trustee

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Michael Gleave

Ensemble Artist

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Nick Prince

Ensemble Artist

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Phillip Breadney

Ensemble Artist

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Toby Taylor

Ensemble Artist

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Janet Charlesworth

Ensemble Artist | Founder | Co-Chair

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Daryll Duncan

Ensemble Artist

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Callum Rose

Ensemble Artist

Meet more of the Collective

How We Work

At Uncurbed, our practice is values led: Access is our foundation, Co-production is our model, and Leadership is our method.

A black and white photo of Ensemble Artist Michael Gleave and Facilitator Alice Robinson. It has playful energy. In the foreground, Michael is captured in profile and he has intentional upright energy with an expression of exaggerated awe. In the background, Alice mirrors his energy and expression.

Accessible Practice

Access is our foundation – it shapes how we welcome people, how we create, and how we perform.

Read more about Accessible Practice

A photo of two Uncurbed performers performing 'Shared Spaces', presented in Whitworth Park

Co-Production

Co-production is our model – every project grows from equal relationships and shared decisions.

Read more about Co-Production

A photo of Phillip Breadney, speaking into a microphone

Disabled-Led Leadership

Leadership is our method – we shift power, grow influence, and ensure disabled people lead at every level.

Read more about Disabled-Led Leadership

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