Co-Artistic Director Claire Hodgson receives MBE in New Year’s Honours list

Diverse City is absolutely thrilled to announce that Claire Hodgson has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list 2016 for services to inclusion. Since founding the award winning Dorset based Diverse City in 2005, Claire has had an enormous impact not only on the lives of individuals, but also on the shape of the arts sector, inspired by her unshakable conviction that the arts can and should be a true reflection of society in all its diversity.

Claire is one of Extraordinary Bodies’ two artistic directors, alongside Cirque Bijou’s Billy Alwen.  Read more about the directors here.

On receiving the award, Claire said “I am absolutely delighted to receive an MBE. I believe that the performing arts must reflect the world as it is and that all people should be seen and heard.  On a personal level as a mum to Scarlett (6) I hope this award shows her that women can and do make change in the world.  None of my achievements have been alone but have come as a result of deep partnerships, collaborations and friendships. This MBE is a recognition for everyone I work alongside that are making a difference and a confirmation that greater equality will be achieved.”