Reece McMahon Joins CDS as Executive Director
The Trustees of Chisenhale Dance Space are delighted to announce the appointment of Reece McMahon as Executive Director, taking over the leadership of the organisation from Ruth Holdsworth who has served as Interim Chief Executive for the past year.
Thank you to Ruth Holdsworth for her impactful dedication to Chisenhale Dance Space as Interim Chief Executive. We are particularly grateful to Ruth as she guided the organisation as it emerged from the depth of crisis caused by COVID-19, supporting it to address its systemic challenges head-on. Her compassionate approach, generosity of spirit and unflinching drive will be greatly missed. We wish Ruth only the best in her next steps in her career.
We are delighted to welcome Reece McMahon as CDS’ new Executive Director. Reece brings a wealth of experience in producing performance, supporting artists, and running buildings. We are excited to embark on a new journey with Reece as we shape the future of the organisation, amidst a challenging context – his drive and ambition will be invaluable to see Chisenhale Dance Space thrive.
Reece McMahon (he/him) is an interdisciplinary arts producer working across theatre, dance, live, and outdoor arts. For the past two years, he has been Producer at New Diorama Theatre a pioneering studio venue in London that’s dedicated to providing a home for the country’s best independent theatre companies and ensembles.
Whilst at NDT he was a key team member for the planning and delivery of NDT Broadgate, a large rehearsal and artist development complex exclusively for independent artists, based in City of London. He also oversaw a season of work and activity that contributed to NDT winning Fringe Theatre of the Year 2022 (Stage Awards), including the Royal Court transfer of ‘For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy’.
In 2020 Reece combined forces with fellow independent producer Emily Beecher to form The REcreate Agency a multidisciplinary creative agency that develops the potential in independent artists, producers & projects.
Prior to this Reece worked with organisations including Avant Garde Dance Company, Outdoor Arts UK, Museum of Homelessness, and began his career as Assistant Producer at The Place after graduating from London Contemporary Dance School.
Reece has begun the handover process and will be fully in post by early October.
“I’m delighted to be joining CDS as the organisation approaches its 40th anniversary. Having been on the board for the past year, I’ve worked closely with Ruth and the team to steer CDS through the challenges of the pandemic. When the opportunity arose to take over the leadership of the organisation I felt compelled to put myself forward to continue that work. CDS has always had a rich legacy and reputation for its experimental ethos and community, member led activity. I’m excited to work collaboratively with everyone who walks through CDS’ doors (and those who haven’t yet!) to pioneer the next generation of radical making and artistic practice.
Ruth Holdsworth has now left her role to take up a new job at National Theatre Wales as Director of Producing.
“I want to wish CDS all the very best in its next steps. I am hopeful and excited to see CDS do what it does best, which is to stay open to new ways of thinking and learning, and what this makes possible for artists. Under Reece’s leadership, and in collaboration with the staff team, members, and board, I look forward to seeing CDS’ continuing journey towards being a truly anti-racist and anti-ableist organisation.”
CDS will be continuing its period of learning started during the pandemic. During this time we are actively reflecting on our ways of working, whilst looking ahead to the future.