Tonic Changemakers

A membership programme for people doing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work in the arts and cultural sector

Tonic Changemakers is a community of likeminded people who are committed to driving EDI-related change in the arts and cultural sector. It is also a first of its kind hub of training, support and professional development opportunities designed specifically for EDI changemakers.

As a member of Tonic Changemakers you receive:

• Access to a rolling programme of training, workshops and events, delivered online and in person throughout the year
• A 10% discount on Tonic training and consultancy for your organisation*
• Connection to a network of likeminded colleagues in arts and cultural
organisations. Hear how they are approaching their EDI work and share your insights and achievements
• Regular trouble-shooting sessions. Got a challenge? Come and work it through with other Changemakers and a member of the Tonic team
• Access to specially designed templates, resources and information to support you in your EDI work
• A Tonic Changemakers logo for your organisation’s website and an email signature graphic for you, so you can proudly tell the world you’re a Changemaker
• Exclusive invitations to other Tonic events & opportunities throughout the year

*Excludes Participate student sessions. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.

Further details, including membership fees, can be found below.

DOWNLOAD FURTHER DETAILS

We are currently accepting sign ups for Tonic Changemakers.

If you’d like to have a conversation about whether Tonic Changemakers is right for you, or would like your employer to have the chance to find out more, contact Charlotte de Paeztron, charlotte@tonictheatre.co.uk to arrange a time for an informal chat with one of our team.

Tonic Changemakers session, 5 Principles of Facilitation. Photo by Tom Lovatt

“I absolutely love it! Definitely the highlight in my calendar each time the opportunity comes round for us all to gather as a group.”
Aynsley cowan-young, newcastle theatre royal

“The sessions have helped me keep EDI work at the centre of my focus and carve out time and space to think deeply about it. Halfway through the year, my confidence in taking EDI work forward has increased enormously.”
victoria walker, paul mellon centre for studies in british art

Upcoming Events

A Changemaker’s Toolkit

Thursday, 30 January
In-person Workshop
Join this hands-on workshop to gain practical tools for driving change. You’ll identify your unique strengths, develop realistic strategies, and explore effective change models. Plus, you’ll learn ways to look after your well-being while making an impact. This is a chance to connect with other changemakers and build your toolkit for sustainable changemaking.

NEW for 2025: Empowering Allyship in Your Organisation

Wednesday, 26 February
In-person Workshop
This workshop explores the role of allyship in leading EDI work, focusing on fostering confidence and knowledge within your organisation. You’ll delve into systems of oppression, privilege, and key components of Tonic’s Fundamentals of Allyship training. Space will be provided to reflect on how you can apply this learning in your workplace.

NEW for 2025: Online Project – Inclusion for Younger Colleagues

Wednesday, 19 March (Part 1) | Thursday, 8 May (Part 2) | Thursday, 19 June (Part 3)
Online Project
This three-part online project addresses the impact of rapid social, economic, and technological changes on younger professionals in the arts. Based on recent research by Tonic and Central School of Speech & Drama, this series will highlight ways arts organisations can foster inclusion for younger colleagues, benefiting all age groups. Sessions run from March to June with tasks and activities between each half-day Zoom meeting.

Building and Delivering an EDI Strategy

Tuesday, 29 April
In-person Workshop
Creating an EDI strategy can seem daunting. This session provides a big-picture approach to aligning your EDI work with broader organisational goals. You’ll gain insights into timing, priorities, and effective communication, helping you present your EDI strategy with clarity and impact.

NEW for 2025: Facilitating Sensitive Conversations

Wednesday, 14 May
In-person Workshop
Facilitating EDI discussions can be challenging, especially within creative contexts. This practical workshop provides tools and techniques to confidently lead group conversations on sensitive topics, ensuring productive and respectful spaces that encourage bold, mindful dialogue.

Creating Successful Equality Action Plans

Tuesday, 1 July
In-person Workshop
An Equality Action Plan should be an active, evolving document that tracks progress and celebrates success. This workshop equips you with templates, tools, and strategies to turn your action plan into a dynamic resource that reflects your ongoing achievements as a changemaker.

Online Sessions

Alternate months
Online Sessions
Online group collaboration sessions
Spaces to share ideas, work through challenges you’re experiencing and hear what’s working in other organisations. Bites sessions
a hit of inspiration, fresh thinking or provocation. We’ll bring a different topic to each session, then give you the chance to digest with others from the Changemakers community.