Theatre / News
Acclaimed cultural organisation announces closure
An exceptional and unique Bristol cultural organisation is closing, with its founders saying “it has become impossible to continue”.
MAYK was established in 2011 by Kate Yedigaroff and Matthew Austin, who met while both studying drama at the University of Bristol.
The organisation was responsible for producing Bristol’s always magnificent Mayfest as well as working internationally, specialising in creating live performance both in and out of traditional art spaces.
is needed now More than ever
Kate and Matthew broke the news of MAYK’s closure “with huge sadness”.
They said: “It’s the last thing we wanted to do, but we are left with no choice. It has become impossible to continue.”
One of the final works from MAYK was Confluence on Millennium Square in July, part film, part dance, part open jam:
While they were both working at Bristol Old Vic, Kate and Matthew took on the mantle of a new festival founded by then artistic director David Farr based closely on one founded by another former artistic director Tom Morris when he was at the Battersea Arts Centre.
From its early days framing experimental work at the Old Vic, the festival grew enormously to become an undoubted highlight of Bristol’s cultural year.
“The picture for the arts in this country is increasingly grim,” said Kate and Matthew.
“Years of underinvestment have created a structural crisis that devalues culture at its core and is causing real damage. It needs fighting for: proper investment, imagination and care.
“The last two years have been particularly gruelling for MAYK, as they have been for so many.
“In the face of rapidly diminishing income and rising costs, we have been forced to make ever more significant changes – halting plans for Mayfest 2026, moderating our programme, reducing the team and adapting our leadership.
“Each decision was made in an effort to safeguard what we believe in most: supporting artists to make extraordinary, vital work that connects people and reflects the world we live in.
“A world without art-making, experimentation, innovation and joy is bleak.”
Jacob’s Wells Baths was a Mayfest venue in 2018 – photo: Paul Blakemore
Kate and Matthew’s statement added: “We have worked tirelessly to adapt – reimagining as radically as possible, restructuring, and fundraising – but the gap has simply become too wide. We can no longer make it work.
“We are so proud of what we have achieved over the years. The extraordinary gatherings. The beautiful and thought-provoking performances that have travelled the world. The animation of this wonderful city, and the celebration of a unique and passionate community of artists through many editions of Mayfest.
“In recent years, we’ve also loved creating a home for artists at the wonderful St Anne’s House.
“Over the last three years, hundreds of creatives have been welcomed there to play, think and make.
“We’ve subsidised this beautiful space to make it as affordable and accessible as possible, because artists need space to be. We will miss it very much.
“With love and gratitude to everyone who has been part of the last 15 years. MAYK is all of us, along the way. Over and out.”
MAYK was established in 2011 by Kate Yedigaroff and Matthew Austin – illustration: Harry Morgan
Main photo: Paul Blakemore
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